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The Nigerian Correctional Service has announced that 59,786 inmates have so far been enrolled in the National Identity Number registration exercise currently underway across custodial centres nationwide.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NCoS, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, disclosed that the figure represented approximately 74 per cent of the country’s total inmate population of 80,879.
“Available data shows that as of June 7, 2025, out of the total of 80,879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates, approximately 74 per cent have been captured into the NIMC platform.
“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion,” the statement read.
The registration, conducted in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, is part of an ongoing effort to integrate inmates into Nigeria’s national identity database.
The service said the process was progressing steadily, adding that mechanisms had been put in place to ensure the registration of the remaining inmates was completed.
Reacting to recent media reports claiming that NIN registration had yet to begin in any custodial centre, the NCoS described such reports as false and misleading.
It reaffirmed that the enrolment of inmates had not only commenced but was yielding tangible results.
“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a recent publication by a section of the media, alleging that the National Identity Number registration exercise is yet to commence in all custodial centres across the country.
“This report is misleading, inaccurate, and does not reflect the current state of affairs within our custodial facilities.
“The Service wishes to categorically state that the NIN registration of inmates in our custodial centres is not only ongoing but has recorded significant progress.
“A majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database through the collaborative efforts of the Service and the National Identity Management Commission,” the statement added.
