By Divine Sam

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment activities, arresting suspected operators and confiscating equipment used for unauthorised registration in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, and other parts of the country.

The operation, according to the commission, was carried out by its Inspectorate Compliance and Enforcement Unit as part of efforts to rid the NIN registration process of fraudulent practices and protect applicants from exploitation.

In a statement released on Monday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, NIMC explained that the enforcement exercise was aimed at tackling unauthorised enrolment, illegal alteration of personal information and the extortion of applicants.

The commission’s Director-General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reiterated the agency’s firm position against extortion and unprofessional behaviour, stressing that those involved in such practices would not be tolerated.

NIMC also reminded Nigerians that NIN registration must be conducted strictly at government-approved enrolment centres, while requests for changes to personal information should be processed through the commission’s official self-service platform.

The agency urged members of the public to be cautious and avoid dealing with unapproved enrolment agents, warning that patronising such operators could expose their personal information to misuse.

It further encouraged Nigerians to download the NINAuth application, which provides additional security features, including NIN protection and the printing of NIN slips.

For enquiries, complaints or further assistance, the commission advised the public to contact its toll-free line on 0800 0616 462.

The latest enforcement operation underscores NIMC’s renewed efforts to sanitise the national identity registration system and ensure that Nigerians can access NIN-related services through legitimate and secure channels.