Imagine waking up one day to discover that your National Identification Number (NIN) has been linked to multiple phone numbers you never registered. Worse still, one of those numbers could be involved in criminal activities—leaving you at risk of wrongful arrest, prosecution, or even imprisonment.
This alarming reality is already happening across Nigeria. Fraudsters are exploiting loopholes in the SIM registration system to link their illegally acquired SIM cards to innocent citizens’ NINs, effectively making them scapegoats for their crimes.
But there’s a way to protect yourself.
How to Check If Your NIN Is Linked to Unknown Numbers
Follow these simple steps to verify the phone numbers linked to your NIN:
- Dial
*996#on your phone. - Select Option 4 – “View Your NIN Status.”
- Choose Option 2 – “View Numbers Linked to Your NIN.”
- A list of phone numbers linked to your NIN will appear.
What to Do If You Find an Unfamiliar Number
If you see a number you don’t recognize, take immediate action:
- Call 300 – the official customer service line for reporting NIN-related fraud.
- Visit your mobile network provider’s office within seven days to file a complaint and request delinking of unauthorized numbers.
Why This Matters
Nigeria’s criminal justice system is far from perfect. Many innocent people are wrongfully detained or convicted due to poor investigative processes. The last thing you want is to be held responsible for crimes you know nothing about.
Stay vigilant. Regularly check your NIN status, and if you suspect foul play, act fast.
For more updates on personal security and national issues, stay connected with TheWest Newspaper at www.thewest.ng.
