By Ifeoluwa Odunayo
The National Identity Management Commission has raised a red flag, warning Nigerians to guard their National Identification Numbers closely and not to trade them for cash or any other inducement.
This urgent caution follows disturbing reports from Anambra State, where unscrupulous individuals have been luring unsuspecting residents with cash offers in exchange for their NINs.
Authorities say this shady practice violates several laws including the NIMC Act, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act, and offenders risk severe penalties.
Dr. Kayode Adegoke, the spokesperson for the Commission, confirmed that the NIMC, in collaboration with the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police, has already apprehended some suspects connected to the illicit scheme.
Adegoke warned that personal data such as the NIN is a critical national asset that must be protected at all costs.
He stressed that sharing such sensitive information with unauthorized persons exposes citizens to the dangers of identity theft, financial fraud, and other cybercrimes.
“We are taking this very seriously. Nigerians must not fall prey to these criminal networks,” Adegoke stated firmly.
He urged citizens to report any suspicious activities related to the sale or solicitation of NINs to the nearest law enforcement agency.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s identity management system and vowed to continue working with security agencies to clamp down on identity-related crimes.
