Don’t Sell Your NIN for Cash! NIMC Issues Strong Warning After Illegal Trade Sparks Arrests

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, especially residents of Anambra State, urging them not to trade their National Identification Numbers (NIN) for cash. The caution comes amid disturbing reports that some individuals are being enticed with money to surrender their personal identification details—an act that NIMC says is illegal and punishable by law.

According to a statement released by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, the illegal scheme violates multiple national laws, including the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the Data Protection Act, and the Cybercrime Act.

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Upon learning of these shady activities, the commission, in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), launched a swift crackdown. Several suspects have already been arrested and are currently being interrogated, with the commission vowing they will face full legal consequences.

NIMC emphasized that citizens must protect their NINs at all costs, as handing over such sensitive information to unauthorized persons can expose them to identity theft, fraud, and other cybersecurity risks.