NIMC database aids arrest of seven Boko Haram, ISWAP commanders returning from Hajj
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that the country's integrated identity management system led to the arrest of seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders. The arrests occurred last Thursday at Katsina airport as the individuals returned from the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage and were subsequently handed over to the Department of State Services. This was made possible by the integration of the National Identity Management Commission NIMC database with the Nigeria Immigration Service database, which is also connected to Interpol. Dr. Tunji-Ojo made this disclosure at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after President Bola Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law. The minister stated that the new NIMC Act will enhance Nigeria's security by accelerating the harmonization of identity databases and improving inter-agency collaboration, strengthening the National Identity Number system, and combating identity theft, terrorism, and financial crimes. He noted that previously, identity management systems were fragmented, with services like passport issuance and driver's license processing disconnected from the national identity database, but now, a Nigerian passport cannot be obtained without data from NIMC.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Industry experts have cautioned that inadequate technical skills and poor installation practices could jeopardize the Federal Government's Project BRIDGE, which aims to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fibre-optic cables. This warning was issued during a two-day Siemon Certified Installer training program in Abuja, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to international cabling standards. Project BRIDGE is a $2 billion initiative designed to expand Nigeria's fibre backbone from approximately 35,000km to 125,000km, connecting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and enhancing broadband penetration. The training, organized by The Siemon Company and Mart Networks Group, seeks to equip installers with the necessary technical skills. Adewale Olagbenro, Siemon's Regional Sales Manager for West Africa, highlighted that poor installation is a primary cause of network failures. He stressed the importance of following international standards for network infrastructure and noted Nigeria's lag in digital infrastructure and technical expertise. Dinesh O.P., The Siemon Company's Technical Manager for Africa, added that many organizations underestimate the importance of structured cabling and proper installation, warning that substandard products and practices can degrade network performance. Esther Oyedokun, Country Manager of Mart Networks Group, stated the program aims to certify engineers and installers to effectively deploy structured cabling systems, ensuring optimal results
Must ReadIran accused the United States of violating the peace deal for the Middle East war after the US launched strikes on Iranian territory, to which Tehran responded with attacks on US targets in the Gulf. This exchange of fire followed a US accusation that Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command stated its strikes on Iranian missile and drone sites and coastal radar positions were a response to "unwarranted aggression against commercial shipping by Iranian forces" that "clearly violated the ceasefire." Iran's foreign ministry called the US attacks a "blatant violation" of the memorandum of understanding to end the war. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed to have struck US sites in the Gulf region in retaliation, warning of a broader response if aggression continued. Bahrain's foreign ministry reported being targeted by Iranian drones and condemned the attacks. Despite the escalation, oil prices fell on hopes that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would recover. Separately, Israel and Lebanon signed an agreement with the US to pave the way for peace on their front, which includes Lebanese soldiers taking control of two areas occupied by Israel and a process to disarm Hezbollah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the framework as a victory against Iran, while Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called it a "first step." Hezbollah supporters protested the agreement in Beirut. The UN nuclear watchdog warned that any final US-Iran settlemen
President Bola Tinubu has signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 into law, replacing a nearly 20-year-old framework with a modern digital identity infrastructure. The new legislation aims to support Nigeria's ambition to become a $1 trillion economy by positioning NIMC as the Root Certification Authority for Nigeria’s National Public Key Infrastructure and Digital Public Infrastructure. The Act strengthens the protection of Nigerians’ personal data by aligning with the Nigerian Data Protection Act, ensuring personal information cannot be accessed without consent or used beyond its intended purpose. The National Identification Number NIN will now be required for various transactions, including passport applications, voter registration, and banking, and the Act introduces a General Multipurpose Card. Special measures are included to enroll vulnerable and underserved Nigerians, including those without permanent residences, and to provide easier access to identity services for Nigerians in the Diaspora. The legislation also reconstitutes NIMC’s Governing Board with representatives from 14 key government agencies. It introduces stiffer penalties for identity fraud and related offenses, with fines up to ₦20 million for corporate bodies and a minimum of five years’ imprisonment for unauthorized access, multiple registration, and impersonation. NIMC now has court-authorized powers to investigate offenses, conduct searches, seize evidence, decrypt data, and arrest