No fewer than 2,400 foreigners with fake National Identity Numbers attempting to acquire Nigerian passports were uncovered by the Ministry of Interior.
According to The PUNCH, the minister of interior, Tunji-Ojo stated this during a courtesy visit by the President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, Dr. Illiyasu Gashinbaki, and his team on Wednesday.
In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi, on Wednesday, Tunji-Ojo highlighted the importance of having a robust identity management system to track and monitor individuals within the country effectively.
“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.
“Recently, we uncovered 2,400 non-Nigerians with fake National Identity Numbers attempting to acquire Nigerian passports. This passport symbolises our sovereignty and identity as Nigerians.
“Identity management is key to boosting our national security. It enables us to have a comprehensive database of residents, which is crucial for identifying and addressing security threats promptly,” said Tunji-Ojo.
He explained that the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the national identity management system aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, which will assist law enforcement agencies in their operations.
The minister also pointed out that a reliable identity management system can help prevent crimes, track down criminals, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to maintain public safety.
