The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has declared that over 74 per cent of inmates across custodial centres nationwide have been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database, contrary to recent media reports suggesting otherwise.
This was made known in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Umar, who described the report as “misleading and inaccurate.”
A recent publication had claimed that the National Identity Number (NIN) registration exercise was yet to begin in Nigerian custodial facilities. However, Mr Umar dismissed the claim, stating that not only had the process commenced, but it had also recorded significant progress.
According to him, “The exercise was actively ongoing across all facilities and has so far captured 59,786 inmates out of a total custodial population of 80,879 as of 7 June 2025. This means that approximately 74 per cent have been captured into the NIMC platform.”
The NIN registration within correctional centres began after the National Identity Management Commission granted the NCoS a licence to conduct the exercise in 256 custodial centres across the country. This followed a formal request by the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, and approval of the initiative in January 2025.
The exercise is designed to facilitate the digital inclusion of inmates, enhance national security, and ensure that those in custody are integrated into national development efforts. The move also aims to simplify the identification process in the event of jailbreaks or other security concerns.
Mr Umar stressed that the success so far is a product of collaboration between the correctional service and the identity management commission.
“This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the NCoS and the NIMC,” he noted.
He further disclosed that systems have been established to complete the registration of the remaining inmates.
“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion. The claim that the registration has yet to commence in custodial centres is factually incorrect and fails to acknowledge the substantial work already done,” he said.
Reaffirming the service’s commitment to national digital reforms, Mr Umar said the NCoS remains focused on promoting rehabilitation and reintegration through data inclusion.
He urged the media to ensure proper verification of information before publication in order not to undermine the progress of national institutions.
“Media practitioners are advised to verify information with relevant authorities before publication. This is essential to avoid spreading misinformation that may mislead the public and undermine ongoing institutional efforts,” he added.
