Minister of Interior Reveals Massive Identity Fraud: 2400 Foreigners with Fake NINs Caught
At least 2400 foreigners have been identified attempting to acquire Nigerian passports using fake National Identity Numbers (NIN), according to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. This revelation came during a courtesy visit by Dr. Illiyasu Gashinbaki, President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, and his team.
The Director of Press and Public Relations for the Ministry of Interior, Ozoya Imohimi, released a statement highlighting the critical role of identity management in national security. Tunji-Ojo stressed the importance of a robust identity management system to effectively track and monitor individuals within Nigeria.
“Identity management is the foundation of any nation, and the prevalence of identity theft in Nigeria is alarming. Unearthing the truth about identities is crucial for addressing critical issues,” the statement read. He emphasized that the Nigerian passport symbolizes national sovereignty and identity, and maintaining its integrity is vital.
The Minister pointed out that improving the national identity management system is essential for providing accurate information, which aids law enforcement in addressing security threats. He also called for building domestic capacity for forensic analysis to avoid relying on foreign services.
During the visit, Dr. Gashinbaki expressed the Institute’s commitment to partnering with the Ministry to enhance document verification, capacity building, and forensic analysis. He highlighted the need for independent laboratories to ensure impartiality and adherence to scientific protocols in legal cases.
Tunji-Ojo also mentioned that only a small fraction of Nigerians are incarcerated, reflecting the law-abiding nature of the population. However, he noted that the actions of a few individuals have tarnished the national image, citing an incident where a British Airways crew member was caught with a fraudulent Nigerian passport.
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