NIMC Apprehends People Buying National Identity Card Numbers in Anambra

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested several suspects involved in the illicit purchase of National Identification Numbers (NINs) in Anambra State.

The crackdown, carried out in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), is a significant step towards curbing the growing menace of NIN scams in the country.

According to a statement released by Mr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC, the commission had received reports of unauthorized individuals and organizations collecting NINs from Anambra residents in exchange for money.

This practice, which violates the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act, has been a major concern for the commission.

The NIMC, in a swift response, worked with the DSS and NPF to apprehend the suspects, who are currently being interrogated and will face the full force of the law.

The commission has warned residents of Anambra State and Nigerians at large to refrain from sharing their NINs with unauthorized individuals, organizations, or platforms, as this is a serious offense.

Adegoke emphasized that neither the federal government nor the NIMC has approved the collection of NINs by unauthorized entities.

“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,” he said.

The commission had earlier issued a statement warning Nigerians against sharing their NIN or data with anyone or on any fictitious sites. The NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified.

Adegoke assured the public that the NIMC has taken necessary measures to curb fraudulent activities related to NIN collection.

He urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activity to the commission, which is committed to protecting the integrity of the NIN enrollment project.

The NIMC has also expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their support towards the credibility and success of the NIN enrollment project.

The collaboration between the NIMC, DSS, and NPF has been instrumental in identifying and apprehending the suspects involved in the NIN scams.