The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced substantial progress in its nationwide initiative to enroll inmates into the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database, providing them with National Identity Numbers (NIN). This significant undertaking, conducted in close collaboration with NIMC, is a core component of broader governmental efforts aimed at enhancing national security, improving inmate data management, and fostering the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals within the correctional system.

In a formal statement released on Sunday, Umar Abubakar, the spokesperson for the NCoS, provided specific figures detailing the current status of the enrollment drive. As of June 7, 2025, a total of 59,786 inmates out of the nation's 80,879 inmate population have been successfully registered and assigned NINs. This achievement signifies that approximately 74% of all inmates across Nigerian custodial centres are now officially part of the national identity database, marking a major milestone in the project.

The NCoS spokesperson vehemently refuted recent media reports that had inaccurately claimed the NIN registration exercise had either not commenced or was significantly delayed in custodial facilities. Abubakar characterized these assertions as "misleading and inaccurate," emphasizing that they do not reflect the true state of affairs. He clarified that, contrary to such reports, the registration process is not only actively ongoing but has already yielded considerable success, with a clear majority of inmates in various centres having completed their enrollment.

The legal and operational framework for this initiative was established when NIMC granted the NCoS a license to carry out NIN registrations directly within 256 designated custodial centres across the country. This crucial approval was granted in January 2025, following a formal request submitted by the Controller General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche. The objectives of this program are multifaceted, including the seamless integration of inmates into national development strategies, bolstering security measures within correctional facilities, and ensuring reliable identification of inmates, which is particularly vital in scenarios such as attempted escapes or jailbreaks.

The NCoS has assured that dedicated mechanisms are firmly in place to facilitate the smooth and efficient completion of NIN registration for the remaining segment of the inmate population. The Service reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the comprehensive integration of all persons in custody into national data systems. This commitment aligns with its mandate to promote not only rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society but also to ensure the digital inclusion of inmates.

Furthermore, the NCoS issued a call to members of the media, urging them to exercise due diligence by verifying information directly with relevant authorities before disseminating it to the public. This precautionary measure is deemed essential to prevent the spread of misinformation, which can potentially mislead public perception and undermine the credibility and progress of ongoing institutional efforts like the NIN enrollment program.