The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has cautioned Nigerians against disclosing their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to unauthorised individuals or organisations in exchange for monetary compensation.
The NIMC warned residents in Anambra State against submitting their identification number for money, which is illegal and punishable under the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.
The Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Kayode Adegoke, issued a statement on Wednesday, stating that the illegal activity had been brought to their attention and that arrests had already taken place.
“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 of Anambra residents in exchange for money,” the statement read.
“Upon receiving the information on the activities of the unscrupulous individuals, NIMC, in conjunction with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, 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.”
The NIMC emphasised that neither it nor the federal government had authorised the collection or use of NINs by third parties for financial incentives, adding that any individual or group found engaging in such activities would be sanctioned accordingly.
“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,” it warned.
NIMC also emphasised its earlier advisory urging Nigerians not to share their or personal data with unverified platforms or individuals, warning that such acts could expose citizens to identity theft and other cybercrimes.
“The NIN can only be used by the holders to access government or private sector services, and it must be verified,” the statement added.
The NIMC further advised members of the public to report any suspicious or unauthorised NIN collection to its official channels.
