The Nigerian Correctional Service has announced that a total of 59,786 inmates have been successfully enrolled in the ongoing National Identity Number registration exercise across correctional facilities nationwide.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar said this figure represents approximately 74% of the country’s current inmate population, which stands at 80,879.
Abubakar explained that the initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission, with the goal of integrating inmates into the national identity database.
“This registration is not just a formality—it is a step toward ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of their circumstances, is included in the national identity system,” he said.
He also dismissed recent media claims suggesting that the NIN registration had not commenced in any correctional centre, describing such reports as “inaccurate and misleading.”
“The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a publication by a section of the media alleging that the NIN registration exercise is yet to begin in custodial centres. This is not only incorrect but also fails to reflect the progress that has already been made,” Abubakar stated.
He stressed that the exercise is ongoing and steadily progressing, with plans in place to ensure the seamless registration of the remaining inmates.
“We have already captured a significant number of inmates into the NIMC database, and efforts are ongoing to ensure full coverage,” he said.
The registration initiative is one of several reform efforts aimed at improving documentation and reintegration support for inmates within the country’s correctional system.
As of June 7, 2025, the service noted that the process continues to yield substantial results, reinforcing the government’s commitment to data inclusion and rehabilitation of incarcerated persons.
