NIMC busts illegal NIN enrolment operators, arrests suspects

The National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, has intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal NIN enrolment activities and unauthorised modification of personal data.

The commission disclosed this in a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kayode Adegoke and made available to news men in Abuja on Monday.

Adegoke said its Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU) recently carried out an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada and other locations, leading to several arrests.

According to him, the operation also resulted in the seizure of equipment allegedly used for illegal enrolment activities.

He said the exercise was part of efforts to check unauthorised enrolment, extortion and other unethical practices capable of undermining the integrity of the National Identity Management System.

He noted that some challenges experienced by Nigerians with their National Identification Number (NIN) were linked to the use of unauthorised channels for enrolment and modification of personal information.

Adegoke said that NIMC therefore advised Nigerians to undertake NIN enrolment only at its approved centres, while data modification should be done through its self-service platform.

He said the commission also urged NIN holders to download the NINAuth application from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store to enjoy additional security benefits, including protection of their NIN and printing of their NIN slips.

He quoted the Director-General of NIMC, Mrs Abisoye Coker-Odusote, as reiterating the commission’s zero tolerance for extortion and unethical conduct among enrolment operators.

Coker-Odusote said the commission remained committed to providing seamless and hitch-free NIN enrolment services to Nigerians and legal residents.

She urged members of the public to obtain information on its services through its official website and verified social media platforms.

She also advised Nigerians to contact its toll-free line, 0800 0616 462, for enquiries and further information.

NAN