NIMC Cautions Nigerians Against Selling NINs for Cash as Illegal Trade Emerges in Anambra; Arrests Made in Joint Security Operation
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, urging them not to share their National Identification Numbers (NIN) with unauthorised persons or organisations in exchange for money.
This caution follows reports from Anambra State, where some residents were allegedly being enticed to submit their NINs for financial rewards—a practice the Commission declared illegal and punishable under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.
In a statement released on Wednesday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the Commission confirmed that arrests have been made in collaboration with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force. The suspects involved in the illegal collection of NINs are currently being interrogated and will face legal consequences.
“NIMC has been alerted to the activities of unauthorised individuals or groups requesting NINs from residents of Anambra State in exchange for money,” the statement said. “Swift action was taken alongside security agencies to apprehend the culprits, who are now in custody.”
The Commission emphasized that no individual or organisation has been authorised by either NIMC or the Federal Government to collect NINs for monetary gain. It warned that anyone found engaging in such acts will be sanctioned accordingly.
“At no point should NIN holders give out their NINs in return for money. Doing so violates federal laws and will attract strict penalties,” NIMC stated.
The Commission also reiterated its previous advisory, urging citizens to protect their NINs and personal information from unverified platforms or individuals to avoid falling victim to identity theft and other cybercrimes.
Finally, NIMC encouraged the public to report any suspicious or unauthorised requests for NINs through its official communication channels.
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