The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) says it has arrested individuals buying national identification numbers (NINs) in Anambra.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kayode Adegoke, head of the corporate communications unit at NIMC, said the commission was notified of the activities of unauthorised individuals or organisations purportedly asking for the submission of NIN of Anambra residents in exchange for money.
According to the statement, the practice violates the NIMC Act No. 23, 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.
Adegoke said the NIMC, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), had arrested the individuals involved in the illegal NIN collection.
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“The National Identity Management Commission has been notified of the activities of unauthorised individuals or organisations purportedly asking for the submission of the National Identification Number (NIN) of Anambra residents in exchange for money, which contravenes the NIMC Act No 23, 2007, Data Protection Act, and Cyber Crime Act,” the statement reads.
“Upon receiving the information on the activities of the unscrupulous individuals, NIMC, in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), swiftly arrested the culprits behind the illegal collection of the NIN.
“They are currently being interrogated and would be made to face the full wrath of the law.”
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The NIMC official urged residents of Anambra state and Nigerians to refrain from sharing their NINs with unauthorised individuals, organisations, or platforms, noting that neither the federal government nor NIMC has approved such actions.
He added that anyone caught will be sanctioned appropriately.
“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,” Adegoke said.
“The commission had earlier issued a statement warning Nigerians against sharing their NIN or Data with anyone or on any fictitious sites.
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“The NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified.”
He assured the public that NIMC has taken necessary measures to curb fraudulent activities related to NIN collection and urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activity to the commission.
Adegoke expressed gratitude to security agencies for their support towards the credibility and success of the NIN enrolment project.
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