NIMC Arrests Illegal NIN Operators, Seizes Enrolment Equipment in Abuja Crackdown

Commission Warns Nigerians Against Unauthorised Registration Centres as Enrolment Figures Hit 136 Million

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has arrested several operators allegedly involved in illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment and confiscated unauthorised registration equipment during an enforcement operation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, and other locations.

The crackdown, according to the commission, is part of efforts to dismantle illegal enrolment networks, curb extortion and prevent unauthorised manipulation of Nigerians’ personal identity information.

NIMC disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday and signed by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke.

The arrests followed an operation conducted by the commission’s Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit (ICEU), targeting illegal NIN registration, unauthorised modification of personal data and extortion by enrolment operators.

The commission expressed concern that the activities of unauthorised operators were threatening the integrity, security and credibility of Nigeria’s National Identity Management System.

It warned Nigerians against patronising unapproved registration centres or individuals offering NIN enrolment and related services, noting that many complications experienced by NIN holders arise from attempts to circumvent established procedures.

According to NIMC, initial NIN enrolment can only be conducted at officially approved enrolment centres, while requests for personal data modification must be processed through its authorised self-service platform.

The commission also advised Nigerians to download the NINAuth application, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, to access additional security features, protect their identity information and print their NIN slips.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance against extortion, misconduct and other unethical practices among enrolment operators.

She reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing seamless and efficient NIN enrolment services for Nigerians and legal residents.

### NIN Enrolment Reaches 136 Million

The enforcement operation comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to expand Nigeria’s national identity database and ensure broader coverage of the country’s population.

NIMC disclosed that NIN enrolment had reached 136 million as of July 2026, representing a significant milestone in the country’s drive towards establishing a comprehensive digital identity system.

As part of efforts to accelerate registration, the commission commenced nationwide ward-level NIN enrolment in February 2026, following a presidential directive to extend registration services to communities across the country.

The initiative is designed to ensure the registration of every Nigerian citizen and legal resident, including children and adults, in the National Identity Database.

NIMC said the grassroots enrolment exercise would be conducted free of charge, stressing that it was intended to deepen identity inclusion, promote inclusive governance and expand citizens’ access to essential public services.

### NIMC Under Pressure to Meet World Bank Digital Identity Target

Beyond its domestic objective of ensuring comprehensive identity registration, NIMC is also working towards meeting the targets of the World Bank-supported Digital Identity for National Development (ID4D) project, launched in 2020.

The programme seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure and expand access to reliable identification for citizens and legal residents.

With millions of Nigerians still outside the national identity database, the commission faces the challenge of accelerating enrolment while preventing fraudulent registrations, unauthorised data alterations and exploitation of vulnerable applicants.

The latest arrests underline the growing enforcement challenge facing NIMC as it expands the national identity programme and seeks to ensure that the drive for wider coverage does not compromise the security and credibility of the database.