The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested suspected operators of illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment centres during an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada and other locations.
The operation, conducted by the Commission’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU), also resulted in the recovery of equipment allegedly deployed for unauthorised enrolment and other prohibited activities, Vanguard reported.
NIMC said the arrests formed part of its efforts to dismantle illegal enrolment operations, prevent unauthorised alterations to personal records and tackle the extortion of applicants seeking identity management services.
The Commission warned that attempts to circumvent its established procedures could expose NIN holders to complications, insisting that enrolment must be carried out exclusively at officially recognised centres.
It further clarified that individuals seeking corrections or updates to their personal information could use its designated self-service modification platform rather than patronising unauthorised agents.
NIMC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the agency’s position against extortion and other forms of misconduct, assuring Nigerians and legal residents of its commitment to improving access to NIN services.
The Commission also encouraged members of the public to download the NINAuth application through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to access available identity verification and other related services, including NIN slip printing.
In a related advisory, NIMC urged Nigerians to obtain information about enrolment and modification procedures through its official website, www.nimc.gov.ng, and verified social media accounts.
