By Gabriel Ameh
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested suspected illegal National Identification Number (NIN) operators and seized equipment allegedly used for unauthorised enrolment activities in Gwagwalada and other locations.
The arrests followed an enforcement operation conducted by the Commission’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU) as part of efforts to tackle illegal NIN registration, unauthorised modification of personal data and extortion.
In a statement, NIMC said the operation was aimed at protecting the integrity, security and credibility of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System.
The Commission warned that unauthorised enrolment activities and attempts to bypass official procedures could expose applicants to identity-related problems and compromise the country’s national identity database.
It explained that NIN enrolment must only be carried out at officially approved centres, while requests for changes to personal information should be processed through its authorised self-service modification platform.
NIMC also advised Nigerians and legal residents to download the NINAuth application through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to access available security features, print their NIN slips and use other related services.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on extortion, illegal enrolment and other unethical practices.
She said the Commission remained committed to improving NIN enrolment services and making the process seamless and accessible to Nigerians and legal residents.
NIMC urged members of the public to avoid unauthorised agents and use only its approved channels for enrolment, data modification and other identity management services.
The Commission said the enforcement operation forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen public confidence in the national identity system and protect the personal information of NIN holders.
