When telecommunications companies began linking phone numbers to National Identity Numbers (NINs) in December 2020, following the government’s directive that all SIM cards be connected to a verified NIN to prevent unregistered usage and improve security, one of the least likely scenarios was that other people’s numbers could be linked to a different person’s NIN.
Recently, some Nigerians have complained of strange numbers being connected to their NINs.
Ibrahim Isiaka, a member of the Ogun State House of Representatives, said during a plenary session on Monday that he found four phone numbers he did not register attached to his Airtel line.
“A social media spectator put it online and said if you dial *996#, initially, I thought it was another unnecessary incursion into my phone. I took the risk. On my Airtel numbers, there are four unsolicited NIN numbers linked to my phone,” he said.
Speaking with FIJ, Justin Onyeka, a Lagos resident, said he was shocked to find three phone numbers he did not register attached to his NIN.
When FIJ asked Onyeka if he was sure he had not registered any of the numbers at any point, he said he had only two registered numbers that he had been using for a long time.
The wave of people discovering multiple numbers attached to their NINs began to grow in January after some social media users asked people to dial *996# to see if other phone numbers they had not registered were linked to their NINs.
Upon attempting this simple task, many Nigerians found a breach in their personal information.
Israel Olatunji, a cybersecurity expert, said the direct implication of this breach of people’s data is that it could land them in troubles they know nothing of.
“If someone commits a crime and their line is traced to an NIN belonging to someone else, the owner of the NIN will be in a mess,” the cybersecurity expert explained.
When FIJ contacted the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for comments on this matter, they referred this reporter to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
FIJ emailed the NCC on February 5, but they had not responded at press time.
The best way to delink strange phone numbers attached to one’s NINs, however, is to contact the respective network providers.
This report was produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.
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