NIMC Database Tracked, Exposed Seven Boko Haram, ISWAP Commanders Returning From 2026 Hajj

The Minister disclosed this on Friday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) Act 2026 into law. His remarks were contained in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

According to Tunji-Ojo, the suspects were intercepted at Katsina Airport on Thursday while arriving from Mecca and were immediately handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

He explained that the successful operation was made possible through the integration of the National Identity Number (NIN) database with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) database, which is now linked to Interpol’s global security network for real-time verification.

Global Mirror News learnt that the Minister said the coordinated digital system has significantly improved Nigeria’s ability to detect and intercept individuals on security watchlists at the nation’s borders.

“I know sometime ago the Senate President raised concerns about how some terrorists were able to embark on pilgrimage and move across our borders. We inherited a fragmented identity management system,” Tunji-Ojo said.

“But I am pleased to announce that last Thursday, seven known Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders were arrested at Katsina Airport while returning from Mecca. They have since been handed over to the DSS.

“This became possible because the NIMC database is now connected to the Immigration database and is interfacing with Interpol around the clock. We have successfully automated the process.”

Tunji-Ojo described the newly signed NIMC Act 2026 as a major milestone in Nigeria’s security architecture, saying it would further accelerate the harmonisation of identity databases across Government Agencies while strengthening inter-agency collaboration.

He noted that the legislation would enhance the integrity of the National Identity Number (NIN) system, making it more difficult for criminals and terrorists to exploit loopholes in the country’s identity management framework.

The Minister added that the law would also improve Nigeria’s capacity to combat identity theft, terrorism financing, financial crimes, illegal migration and other National security threats.

Reflecting on reforms introduced under the current administration, Tunji-Ojo said President Tinubu inherited a disconnected identity ecosystem where key Government services operated independently without a unified identity verification platform.

According to him, obtaining a Nigerian passport or driver’s licence was previously disconnected from the national identity database, creating vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminal elements.

“Today, you cannot obtain a Nigerian passport without your information being verified through the NIMC database,” he stated, describing the reform as a major achievement in securing Nigeria’s identity management system.

President Tinubu signed the National Identity Management Commission Act 2026 in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and other Senior Government Officials, marking what the administration says is another step towards strengthening national security through technology-driven identity management.