The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says over 59,000 inmates across Nigeria’s custodial centres have been registered in the ongoing National Identity Number (NIN) registration campaign. This was made known in a statement released by the Service on Sunday, June 9, 2025.
According to the statement signed by NCoS spokesperson Umar Abubakar, a total of 59,786 inmates have so far been enrolled. This figure accounts for roughly 74% of the nation’s total inmate population, which currently stands at 80,879.
“Available data shows that as of June 7, 2025, out of the total of 80,879 inmates’ population, 59,786 inmates, approximately 74 per cent have been captured into the NIMC platform,” the statement read.
The Service also noted that the registration of the remaining inmates is ongoing and steps have been taken to ensure the process continues without delays. The exercise is being carried out in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
According to the NCoS, the goal of the initiative is to ensure that all inmates are properly documented in Nigeria’s national identity system. The Service described the effort as part of a broader strategy to improve data collection, identity verification, and rehabilitation efforts within the correctional system.
In response to some media claims suggesting that the registration process had not begun in any custodial centre, the NCoS dismissed those reports as false and out of touch with reality.
“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,” it stated.
The Service further noted that the program has already registered a majority of inmates across various centres nationwide, stressing that the work is being done steadily and effectively in cooperation with NIMC.
