2,400 Foreigners Caught Applying For Passports – Interior Minister

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has revealed that the ministry uncovered 2,400 foreigners with fake National Identity Numbers attempting to get Nigerian passports.

This was as he also emphasized the key role of identity management in enhancing national security.

Tunji-Ojo said this during a courtesy visit by the President and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria, Dr. Illiyasu Gashinbaki, and his team on Wednesday.

In a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Ozoya Imohimi, on Wednesday, Tunji-Ojo named the importance of having a robust identity management system to track and monitor individuals within the country effectively.

“Identity management is the foundation of any nation, and the prevalence of identity theft in Nigeria is alarming. Unearthing the truth about identities is crucial for addressing critical issues.

“Recently, we uncovered 2,400 non-Nigerians with fake National Identity Numbers attempting to acquire Nigerian passports. This passport symbolises our sovereignty and identity as Nigerians.

“Identity management is key to boosting our national security. It enables us to have a comprehensive database of residents, which is crucial for identifying and addressing security threats promptly,” said Tunji-Ojo.

He further said that the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the national identity management system intend to provide accurate and up-to-date information, which will aid law enforcement agencies in their operations.

The minister also noted that a reliable identity management system can help prevent crimes, track down criminals, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively to maintain public safety.