Crackdown On NIN Fraud: NIMC Arrests Operators, Seizes Equipment In Nationwide Operation

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested individuals allegedly involved in illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, and other locations across the country.

The arrests were made during an enforcement operation conducted by the commission’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit, which also led to the confiscation of equipment allegedly used for the unauthorised activities.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC explained that the operation formed part of its ongoing efforts to tackle illegal enrolment, unauthorised modification of personal data and the extortion of applicants.

The commission’s Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance policy towards extortion, illegal activities and unprofessional conduct by individuals involved in NIN-related services.

NIMC stressed that NIN enrolment must be carried out strictly at officially approved centres, while requests for data modification should be processed through the commission’s authorised self-service platform.

The agency also cautioned Nigerians against patronising unauthorised enrolment centres, urging applicants to use approved channels to protect their personal information.

It further encouraged members of the public to download the NINAuth application, which provides additional security features, including NIN protection and the printing of NIN slips.

For enquiries and complaints relating to its services, the commission advised Nigerians to contact its toll-free customer service line on 0800 0616 462.

The latest arrests highlight NIMC’s renewed efforts to curb fraudulent practices within the national identity registration system and protect applicants from exploitation.