In a decisive move to tackle fraudulent activities, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has uncovered a syndicate involved in impersonating commission employees and issuing fake national identity numbers to unsuspecting Nigerians.
Addressing the media at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Director-General of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, revealed that the commission had apprehended several suspects implicated in the illicit scheme. These individuals are currently undergoing prosecution with relevant security agencies.
The breakthrough came after a vigilant customer reported paying N120,000 to modify her birth certificate, prompting NIMC's swift action. Coker-Odusote stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the national identity system, especially amid rising cases of identity-related fraud.
Furthermore, Coker-Odusote disclosed that over 107.34 million Nigerians had been enrolled in the NIN database as of May 2024, reflecting a significant increase from the 104 million recorded in December 2023. The National Identification Number (NIN), a unique identifier assigned to each citizen, has emerged as a vital tool in bolstering security, governance, and service delivery across various government initiatives.
Explaining the modus operandi of the syndicate, Coker-Odusote outlined how the perpetrators posed as business vendors and operators of cyber cafes, luring unsuspecting individuals into fraudulent schemes. These nefarious activities, including the fabrication of fake NINs, not only undermine the credibility of the national identity system but also expose countless Nigerians to scams and extortion.
Despite the clampdown on the syndicate, Coker-Odusote refrained from disclosing specific details regarding the number of persons under interrogation. However, she assured the public that thorough investigations were underway, and once concluded, the perpetrators would face prosecution for their cybercrimes.
Emphasizing the need for vigilance, Coker-Odusote cautioned against falling prey to fraudulent practices and urged citizens to remain vigilant against such scams. She cited an instance where an individual was extorted of over N120,000 to modify her birth certificate by someone posing as an NIMC employee.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to streamline identity databases across ministries, departments, and agencies of the government, facilitating the establishment of a centralized identity database for the nation.
As NIMC intensifies its crackdown on identity-related crimes, the commission remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the national identity system and protecting the interests of all Nigerians.
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