In a major security move, the Nigerian government has deleted 6,000 illegally obtained National Identity Numbers (NINs) belonging to individuals from the Niger Republic.

A reliable source within the presidency disclosed that Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the revelation during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

According to the source, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) conducted a thorough review of its database and uncovered thousands of foreign nationals who had fraudulently obtained NINs. These records have now been completely erased to prevent misuse.

"The interior minister said NIMC is tidying up the database because they found over 6,000 people from the Niger Republic who obtained NINs. But they have been wiped from the system," the source confirmed.

The Minister of Interior has also been added to a special oversight panel monitoring the country’s humanitarian ministry, which oversees conditional cash transfers and welfare programs.

Confirming the development, NIMC Director-General Bisoye Coker-Odusote assured that the agency is working to ensure transparency and accuracy in all government-related payments and identity verifications.

This action aligns with the Nigerian government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security and prevent fraudulent access to government benefits.