Bandits Exploit pre-registered SIMS to Evade NIN-SIM Tracking
-Despite introducing the NIN-SIM linkage policy to address security concerns, pre-registered SIMs remain in circulation, and the National Identity Management Commission faces capacity constraints.
-When the policy was implemented, only 40 million individuals had NINs. Previously, there were no restrictions on the number of SIMs a subscriber could acquire, leading to the misuse of mobile lines for criminal activities.
-Some registration agents bypass restrictions by registering the same individual multiple times under the pretext of network failures, then selling the extra SIMs to criminals.
-The NCC raised the minimum age for SIM registration from 16 to 18 years and limited individuals to four SIM cards per network. Individuals with more than five unverified SIMs were asked to regularize their registration by March 2024.
Despite efforts to curb the sale of pre-registered SIMs and bar unverified lines, SIM card misuse persists. The NCC continues to work with security agencies to address these issues and enhance national security.
Peoplesmind
