NCoS Confirms 74% of Inmates Now Captured in National Identity Database

ABUJA — The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has announced significant progress in the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) registration for inmates across the country, revealing that nearly three-quarters of the total inmate population are now officially captured in the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

This disclosure was made in a statement released on Sunday by the Service’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Corrections Umar Abubakar. He confirmed that as of June 7, 2025, 59,786 out of the 80,879 inmates in custodial centres across Nigeria—approximately 74%—have been successfully registered into the NIMC system.

Abubakar emphasized that this milestone was achieved through sustained collaboration between the NCoS and the NIMC, which jointly initiated the nationwide exercise to digitally identify and document individuals held in custody.

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Progress Amid Misleading Reports

The announcement comes in response to recent media reports suggesting that the NIN registration exercise had yet to begin in many custodial centres. Abubakar dismissed such claims as “misleading, inaccurate, and not reflective of the current state of affairs within our custodial facilities.”

Contrary to those reports, he stated that the registration exercise is not only ongoing but has achieved substantial progress. He further assured that the process is active in all zones, with structured systems in place to ensure the enrollment of every inmate.

“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,” he said.

Digital Identity for Rehabilitation and Security

The NIN registration initiative is considered critical for enhancing the country’s security infrastructure and improving the management of correctional services. By linking inmates to the national identity database, the NCoS can better manage criminal records, improve rehabilitation planning, and ensure that inmates are not lost in the system or mistaken for others.

The NIN also plays a vital role in Nigeria’s broader national security strategy, particularly in tracking individuals within the criminal justice system. Once inmates are registered, their identities become verifiable, making it more difficult for repeat offenders to manipulate the system or for unknown individuals to escape accountability.

The availability of accurate biometric data also aids other security and judicial agencies in their operations. It creates a digital trail that ensures transparency, reduces administrative errors, and assists in post-release reintegration for inmates.

Efforts Toward Full Coverage

While 74% registration is a remarkable feat, Abubakar assured the public that the NCoS is committed to achieving full coverage. He noted that dedicated registration units have been deployed to correctional facilities across the six geopolitical zones to facilitate the smooth continuation of the exercise.

“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion,” Abubakar stated, affirming the Service’s resolve to meet its goals without unnecessary delay.

He added that the NCoS leadership remains committed to innovation and reform, as part of efforts to modernize correctional services in line with international best practices. Digitizing inmate identity, he said, aligns with the agency’s broader goal of improving accountability and institutional transparency.

Public Reassurance and Institutional Transparency

In closing, the NCoS spokesperson reassured Nigerians that the agency is working diligently to complete the registration of all inmates, countering any suggestions of administrative lag or neglect. He reiterated that the report claiming that NIN enrollment had not started in most facilities was false and does not reflect the current situation.

“The public is hereby advised to disregard such unfounded reports and instead recognize the significant progress achieved so far,” he urged.

As Nigeria continues its journey toward a more secure and digitally integrated correctional system, the successful enrollment of over 59,000 inmates into the NIMC database stands as a testament to the power of inter-agency collaboration and the potential of digital solutions in governance.

With continued effort and coordination, the NCoS is poised to achieve full digital coverage for all inmates—a development that will bolster both correctional reforms and national security.