The Nigerian Correctional Service has stated that 59,786 inmates have so far been enrolled in the National Identity Number registration exercise currently underway across custodial centres nationwide.
The NCoS, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, on Sunday disclosed that the figure represents approximately 74 percent of the country’s total inmate population of 80,879.
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 emphasised that the process is progressing steadily and that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure the registration of the remaining inmates is completed seamlessly.
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 has not only commenced but is 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.
“Available data show that as of June 7, 2025, out of the total of 80,879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates, approximately 74 percent, 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.
