The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has cautioned Nigerians against disclosing their National Identification Number (NIN) in exchange for money, warning that such actions are illegal and pose serious security risks.
This warning comes after the arrest of several individuals in Anambra State who were allegedly engaged in the unlawful collection of NINs from residents for financial compensation. The arrests followed a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and NIMC.
Kayode Adegoke, Head of the Commission’s Corporate Communications Unit, confirmed in a statement that the suspects are currently being interrogated and will face prosecution under relevant Nigerian laws. He stressed that their actions contravene various regulations, including the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.
NIMC underlined that it is illegal for any person or organisation to collect, buy, or sell NINs. The Commission strongly advised against the sharing of personal identification details, particularly for financial incentives. “At no time should NIN holders give out their NINs for monetary compensation. This is against the laws of the Federation,” it stated.
Only licensed government and private sector entities are authorised to collect and verify NINs, primarily for the delivery of public services or regulatory purposes. In its statement, the Commission advised residents of Anambra State—and Nigerians at large—not to submit their NINs to unauthorised persons, organisations, or digital platforms. “Anyone caught will be sanctioned appropriately,” it warned.
NIMC also reminded the public of previous alerts regarding fake websites and social media accounts impersonating official government platforms, which request personal data under false pretences. The Commission added that measures have been put in place to disrupt the operations of fraudulent individuals involved in the unlawful harvesting of NINs.
Given the increasing integration of NINs into essential services such as banking, SIM registration, voter enrolment, and tax identification, the consequences of a compromised NIN could be severe. Experts have repeatedly highlighted the risks of identity theft and financial fraud linked to unauthorised NIN access. They urge Nigerians to treat their NINs with the same confidentiality afforded to sensitive financial details like ATM PINs and bank information.
Security analysts further warn that criminals could exploit leaked NINs to gain unauthorised access to victims’ financial accounts and carry out other forms of cyber-enabled crimes.