{
  "id": 9529894,
  "title": "NIMC debunks viral NIN data breach claims",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/nimc-debunks-viral-nin-data-breach-claims-9529894",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-24T09:30:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nimc-debunks-viral-nin-data-breach-claims/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has refuted claims that Nigeria’s National Identification Number (NIN) database has been breached. In a statement posted on their X handle on Thursday, the Commission described the allegations as \"false and unfounded,\" stating that the video circulating on social media is a recycled report from 2024 that had previously been discredited. The NIMC assured the public that their National Identity Database (NIDB) has not been breached or compromised. The Commission emphasized its robust security infrastructure, designed in line with international best practices, to safeguard the personal data of registered citizens and legal residents. The NIMC warned against the circulation of unverified claims, which could mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic. They urged Nigerians to obtain information about the National Identity Management System only from their official channels. The Commission also highlighted its recently launched NIN Authentication (NINAuth), a suite of web, API, and mobile verification services that require the explicit consent of the NIN holder before data is shared. NINAuth is designed to strengthen data security and privacy, ensuring secure identity verification for various services without exposing raw NIN or personal data. The NIMC expressed its commitment to protecting Nigerians' identity information and pledged to continue working with security agencies to strengthen systems and combat misinformation.",
  "summary": "The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has dismissed viral social media reports alleging a breach of Nigeria’s NIN database as false and unfoun Read More: https://punchng.com/nimc-debunks-viral-nin-data-breach-claims/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "NIMC debunks viral NIN data breach claims",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/nimc-debunks-viral-nin-data-breach-claims",
        "published": "2026-09-24T08:56:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}