The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, cautioning them against disclosing their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to unauthorised individuals, groups, or organisations.
This alert follows the arrest of several individuals by security agencies across different states for involvement in NIN-related fraud.
In a statement issued by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, NIMC’s Head of Corporate Communications, the Commission expressed concern over reports that some unscrupulous persons in Anambra State have been soliciting NINs from residents in exchange for money.
NIMC described the activity as illegal, noting that it violates the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act 2023, and the Cybercrime Act 2023.
The Commission confirmed that security operatives are actively apprehending those behind the unlawful scheme.
NIMC urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious requests involving their NIN to appropriate authorities.
“Upon receiving the information on the activities of the unscrupulous individuals, NIMC, in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), swiftly arrested the culprits behind the illegal collection of the NIN,” Dr Adegoke said.
They are currently being interrogated and would be made to face the full wrath of the law, he added.
He advised Anambra State residents and Nigerians to avoid submitting their NINs to unauthorized individuals, organizations, or platforms, as the Federal Government and NIMC have not authorized this
“Anyone caught will be sanctioned appropriately.
At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation. Anyone caught will be dealt with appropriately”, Dr Adegoke further said.
Adegoke maintained that the NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified.
He said the Commission has taken necessary measures to curb the activities of these unscrupulous individuals.
“The general public is hereby advised to reach out to the Commission whenever they notice the indiscriminate collection of NIN via: nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng; 07002255646; 01923000010″, Adegoke said.
(The Nation)
