KATSINA:  Seven high-profile commanders belonging to Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were arrested at the Katsina Airport last week upon their return from the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

The suspects were intercepted and handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) due to the newly integrated National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database, which now syncs continuously with immigration records and Interpol systems.

The breakthrough was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, during the official signing of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Database Integration Enhances National Security

According to Minister Tunji-Ojo, the arrest highlights the success of current efforts to fix a previously fractured identity system where government platforms operated independently. Under the new reforms, identity verification is strictly centralized.

"Today, you cannot obtain a Nigerian passport without verification through the NIMC database," Tunji-Ojo emphasized, noting that the 24-hour interface with international law enforcement platforms prevents high-risk suspects from slipping through border controls undetected.

About the NIMC Act 2026

The signing of the bill aims to establish a more secure legal framework for Nigeria's digital landscape. The Federal Government stated that the Act will focus on:

• Strengthening national security and border control.

• Improving the integrity of the National Identification Number (NIN) system.

• Combating identity theft, financial crimes, and terrorism.

• Accelerating digital transformation and public service delivery.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by key legislative and international figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi, NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote, and World Bank representative Taimur Samad.