The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested several suspects and confiscated equipment allegedly used for unauthorised National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment during an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, and other locations.
The operation is part of the commission’s renewed efforts to curb illegal NIN registration, unauthorised modification of personal information and extortion by individuals operating outside its approved channels.
In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC said the exercise was conducted by its Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU).
The commission said the enforcement drive was aimed at protecting the integrity and security of the National Identity Management System while preventing unauthorised individuals from exploiting Nigerians seeking identity-related services.
It warned that several difficulties encountered by NIN applicants and holders could arise from using unapproved enrolment agents and bypassing established procedures.
According to NIMC, initial NIN enrolment is exclusively handled at its officially designated enrolment centres, while eligible modifications to personal information can be processed through its self-service portal.
The portal is accessible at selfservicemodification.nimc.gov.ng.
The commission also encouraged Nigerians to download the NINAuth application, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, as part of measures to strengthen the protection and management of their identity information.
It said the application provides security features and allows users to access and print their NIN slips, among other services.
NIMC warns against extortion
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on extortion, unauthorised enrolment and other unethical practices.
She said the agency remained committed to ensuring that Nigerians and legal residents could access NIN enrolment services through a seamless and efficient process.
NIMC consequently urged applicants and existing NIN holders to avoid unapproved agents and conduct all enrolment and related transactions through its authorised platforms.
The commission advised members of the public seeking information about its services to visit its official website, www.nimc.gov.ng, or consult its verified social media platforms.
It also provided its toll-free contact line, 0800 0616 462, for enquiries and complaints.