The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) says it has successfully enrolled over 74 per cent of inmates nationwide into the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database.

In a statement on Sunday, the NCoS spokesperson, Abubakar Umar, said NIN registration of inmates in custodial centres was ongoing and has recorded significant progress.

The NIMC had granted the NCoS the licence to conduct the registration at 256 custodial centres nationwide, following a request by the service’s controller-general, Sylvester Nwakuche.

The initiative, approved in January 2025, is intended to integrate inmates into national development plans, enhance their security, and facilitate their identification in case of jailbreaks.

Mr Umar said a majority of inmates across various custodial centres nationwide have already been successfully enrolled into the National Identity Database.

“The exercise was actively ongoing across all facilities and has so far captured 59,786 inmates out of a total custodial population of 80,879 as of June 7, 2025.

“This means that approximately 74 per cent have been captured into the NIMC platform. This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the NCoS and the NIMC,” he said.

Mr Umar, however, said concrete mechanisms were in place to ensure the seamless registration of the remaining inmates.

He also reaffirmed the service commitment to data integration as part of national efforts to enhance the rehabilitation, reintegration, and digital inclusion of persons in custody.

“The registration of the remaining inmates is actively in progress, and mechanisms have been put in place to ensure its seamless completion,” he added.

(NAN)