How to Check If Your NIN Is Linked to a SIM You Don't Own

Your National Identification Number (NIN) is connected to your identity, so it is important to know which phone numbers are registered or linked to it.

If someone has used your identity to register a SIM card without your knowledge, that number could potentially become associated with your identity. Checking your NIN-SIM records can help you identify unfamiliar numbers and report them.

How to check the numbers linked to your NIN

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) provides *996# as the USSD code for NIN-SIM linkage services. The NCC's current guidance confirms that subscribers can use *996# to link their NIN to a SIM.

For checking linked numbers, current Nigerian reporting describes the following process:

1. Dial *996#

Use your mobile phone to dial *996#.

2. Look for the NIN status/linked-numbers option

Depending on the menu presented by your network, select the option relating to NIN status or numbers linked to your NIN.

The exact menu wording or option number can change, so follow the instructions displayed on your screen rather than relying on a fixed option number.

3. Review the numbers shown

Check the list carefully.

Look for numbers you:

  • Do not recognise
  • Have never registered
  • No longer use
  • Never gave permission to be linked to your identity

If you find a number that does not belong to you, don't ignore it.

What should you do if you find an unfamiliar number?

Contact the network operator immediately.

Tell the operator that an unfamiliar number appears to be linked to your NIN and that you did not register or authorise it.

Ask them to investigate the registration and advise you on the process for removing or delinking the number.

You can also visit an authorised telecom service centre or an NIMC-approved centre with appropriate identification if you need additional assistance. Current guidance on checking NIN-linked numbers recommends reporting unfamiliar numbers to the network provider or an authorised NIMC office.

Why is this important?

NIN-SIM linkage connects a subscriber's mobile number with their identity record. The NCC says the linkage enables the mobile network operator to validate the NIN submitted by a subscriber against the NIMC database.

That means you should take an unfamiliar number appearing under your identity seriously, even if you have never used that number yourself.

However, finding an unfamiliar number does not by itself prove that you have committed or participated in a crime. It means you should promptly report the discrepancy and have the registration investigated.

Don't give your NIN to random websites

Be careful with websites, social-media accounts and individuals claiming they can show you every SIM linked to your NIN.

The NCC specifically warns that only channels communicated by the network operators, NIMC or NCC should be treated as authentic for NIN-SIM services.

Never send your NIN, OTP, banking PIN, password or other sensitive information to someone simply because they claim they can “check your NIN.”

What if you have changed your phone number?

If you have stopped using an old number, you should make sure your current identity records are properly updated.

NIMC also provides a Self-Service Modifications process for changing information on your NIN record, including your phone number.

But remember: changing the phone number on your NIN record and removing an old SIM registration are not necessarily the same process. If an old SIM is still registered with a telecom operator, you may need to contact that operator separately.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to wait until you experience fraud before checking your NIN-SIM information.

Dial *996# and follow the available NIN-SIM options to check your status or linked numbers. If you discover a number you don't recognise, contact the relevant network operator immediately and request an investigation.

Your identity information is important. Check it, protect it and report anything that doesn't look right.

Sources: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and current Nigerian reporting on NIN-SIM verification.