The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a strong warning to the public, particularly residents of Anambra State, against submitting their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to unauthorized individuals or organizations.
This follows reports of illicit attempts to collect NINs in exchange for money.
In a press statement released by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of the Corporate Communications Unit, NIMC confirmed that in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the perpetrators of this illegal activity have been apprehended and are currently under interrogation.
The Commission reiterated that such practices violate the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act, stressing that anyone found guilty will face the full force of the law.
“It is against the law to give out your NIN for monetary compensation,” the statement emphasized, adding that neither the Federal Government nor NIMC has sanctioned such activities.
Citizens were reminded that NIN should only be used for accessing verified government or private sector services.
NIMC urged the public to report any suspicious collection of NINs through its official communication channels: nimccustomercare@nimc.gov.ng, 07002255646, or 01923000010.
The Commission thanked security agencies for their ongoing support in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s digital identity system.