Police Arrest Man for Producing Fake NIN, PVCs for Over 1,000 Nigerians

Thousands of Nigerians may have unknowingly obtained fake government identity documents after a suspected forgery syndicate allegedly operated for years in Niger State. Police say the suspect produced forged National Identity Number (NIN) cards and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for more than 1,000 people, earning over ₦3 million before his arrest. The discovery has raised fresh concerns over identity fraud and the growing threat posed by illegal document rackets in Nigeria.

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Mohammed Aliyu Buba, for allegedly producing fake National Identity Number (NIN) cards and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for more than 1,000 people. Police said 294 forged identity documents were recovered during the operation, while the suspect allegedly earned over ₦3 million from the illegal business.

The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old man, Mohammed Aliyu Buba, for allegedly operating a fake identity document syndicate that produced forged National Identity Number (NIN) cards and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for more than 1,000 people.

Police alleged that the suspect made over ₦3 million from the illegal operation before he was apprehended.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the command’s operational achievements for July in Minna.

According to the police commissioner, intelligence reports received on July 28 revealed that the suspect had been producing fake NIN and PVC cards for unsuspecting members of the public, particularly in Munya and Wushishi Local Government Areas of Niger State.

Following the intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Tactical Support Team immediately launched an investigation. Consequently, the suspect was arrested at his residence the same day.

A search of the residence reportedly led to the recovery of 105 fake National Identity Number (NIN) cards and 189 fake Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to producing forged identity documents for more than 1,000 people. Police said he charged ₦2,000 for each fake NIN card and ₦1,000 for every fake PVC.

According to CP Elleman, “The suspect admitted that he has realised over ₦3 million as proceeds from the illegal business.”

The commissioner stated that the suspect remains in police custody and will be charged in court after investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, CP Elleman warned Nigerians against obtaining identity documents from illegal operators, stressing that possessing or procuring forged government documents constitutes a criminal offence that attracts severe legal consequences.

He further reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates involved in fraud, forgery and identity-related crimes across Niger State. He also urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies.