NIMC clamps down on illegal NIN enrolment, arrests suspects in FCT

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested individuals involved in illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment in Gwagwalada, FCT, and other locations across the country, Daily Post reports.

The commission said its Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit carried out the operation and confiscated equipment being used for the illicit activities. In a statement on Monday, Head of Corporate Communications Kayode Adegoke said “the exercise is part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on unauthorised enrolment, illegal data modification and extortion of applicants.”

According to the statement, Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote reaffirmed NIMC’s zero tolerance for extortion and unprofessional conduct. The commission stressed that NIN enrolment must only be done at approved centres, while data modifications should be made through its official self-service platform.

“Avoid patronising unauthorised centres and make use of approved channels, including downloading the NINAuth app for enhanced security features such as NIN protection and slip printing,” NIMC advised. The public can contact its toll-free line, 0800 0616 462, for enquiries and complaints.

The statement did not say how many people were arrested or where the seized equipment is being held, so those details are left out here. The crackdown signals that NIMC intends to keep pressure on unauthorised operators while steering Nigerians toward approved channels.