Every Nigerian with a SIM card has experienced this: You think only your number is linked to your National Identification Number (NIN), only to discover that multiple phone numbers — maybe old ones or ones you never used — are tied to your NIN record. That’s not just confusing. It can be dangerous. When money scams and fraud incidents spike, any number linked to your NIN can become a liability.
But here’s the honest and verified truth:
You cannot magically press a USSD code and instantly delink numbers — at least not permanently or officially.
Instead, you must follow Nigeria’s real legal process to safely remove a number tied to your NIN. This article explains exactly how to do that in 2026 — with clear steps, official sources, and proven methods.
Why Removing a Linked Number Matters
Imagine this: Someone else registers a SIM card using your old NIN information. Later, the person uses that phone for fraud. If authorities trace the crime back to the SIM, your NIN becomes the “owner” of that crime, even if you had nothing to do with it. Scary, right?
That’s why it’s important to:
- Know which numbers are linked to your NIN
- Remove numbers that don’t belong to you
- Keep your identity clean and secure online
This isn’t hypothetical — news reports in 2025 noted cases of individuals arrested due to recycled links of NIN/shared numbers.
The Official Agencies Involved
To understand the process, first know the key players:
NIMC (National Identity Management Commission)
This is the official government agency that manages your NIN. It stores your personal details, including phone numbers.
Telecommunication Companies (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile)
While telecos ask for your NIN to register a SIM, they do not control the master record. They only report the linkage to NIMC.
Step 1: Check All Numbers Linked to Your NIN
Before you can remove a number, you must know what’s linked right now.
Method A — Use USSD Code (*996#)
Many trusted sources report that you can use the NIMC USSD service:
- Dial *996# on your phone
- Choose “View NIN status” (often Option 4)
- Select “View numbers linked to NIN” (often Option 2)
This sends an SMS showing all linked numbers.
But here’s the catch:
This USSD sometimes gives only partial data or fails to show all numbers. It’s useful for checking but not always reliable by itself.
Step 2: Confirm Numbers Using the NIMC Self-Service Portal
NIMC provides an official online portal where Nigerians can request updates to their NIN details — including phone numbers.
The process generally requires:
- Your NIN
- A valid government ID
- Your phone number already linked
You can log into the portal and request verification or modification of linked numbers. This gives you an official trail for your request.
Note: You may still need to visit a physical NIMC office or telco outlet to complete the process — more on that below.
Step 3: Get an Official List from NIMC (Reliable Method)
Some Nigerians have found that sending a formal email request directly to NIMC works better than waiting for USSD. In practice:
- Email: nimcdataeconomy@nimc.gov.ng
- Subject: Request for Full List of Numbers Linked to My NIN
- Body: Include your full name, NIN, and date of birth
Within 24–72 hours, NIMC should send an official list of all numbers linked to your NIN. This gives you a trusted document to show telcos when asking for removal.
Step 4: Visit Your Network Provider’s Customer Service Center
Now the real work begins.
To remove (unlink) a phone number from your NIN, you must go in person (or sometimes via authorized agent) to a service center of the network provider (MTN, Airtel, etc.). This is because telcos cannot update the master NIN record by themselves — only NIMC can. But telcos can work as intermediaries with biometric verification.
What to Bring
Bring the following to ensure your request is accepted:
- Your original NIN slip or digital NIN
- A valid ID (passport, driver’s license, voter’s card)
- A printout or screenshot of all linked numbers (from USSD or email)
- Your phone handset (for verification)
What Happens at the Center
The customer service agent will:
- Verify your NIN and ID with biometric data
- Raise a “NIN De-linkage Request” with the telco
- Submit it to NIMC or internal systems for removal
- Give you a ticket or reference number
In many cases, removal happens within 48 hours.
Pro tip: Go on a weekday morning (Tuesday–Thursday) — queues are shorter and staff are more responsive.
What If You Can’t Go in Person?
If you are abroad or unable to visit, you can still:
- Provide a notarized letter of authorization
- Include copies of your ID and NIN slip
- Provide the list of associated numbers
- Request the service center to act on your behalf
This is not guaranteed, but many users have succeeded this way.
After Unlinking — How to Protect Your NIN
Once the unwanted number is removed:
Enable NIN-SIM linkage alerts
Many networks allow you to get SMS alerts any time a number is linked to your NIN. This gives you early warning.
Avoid sharing your NIN casually
Only give your NIN to trusted outlets and official channels. Your NIN is like your credit score — susceptible to fraud if mishandled.
Periodically re-check
Repeat the *996# check every few months — especially if you notice strange SMS or unexpected calls.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Believing Third-Party Apps or Videos
YouTube videos and unofficial apps often claim they can “magically remove linked numbers.” They cannot modify NIMC records.
Assuming Old SIM Recycling Automatically Removes NIN Link
Some people think that if a SIM number is recycled to a new owner, the NIN link disappears automatically. That’s not always true. You should still check and manually unlink if necessary.
Giving Your NIN to Random Vendors
Your data deserves protection. Only share it with official NIMC kiosks or verified telco stores.
Final Summary What You Must Remember
Here’s the honest, verified roadmap to remove a number linked to your NIN:
- Check linked numbers using *996# USSD or NIMC portal
- Get an official list from NIMC by email
- Visit your telco’s customer service center with documentation
- Request delinking with biometric verification
- Save your ticket number for follow-up
- Enable alerts to guard your identity in the future
You cannot do it with just a quick code or sketchy app. You must follow proper security and identity verification channels — and that’s a good thing.
Stay safe. Stay informed. And always protect your identity in 2026 and beyond.
If you want, I can also provide a concise checklist you can print and take to the telco center — just let me know!
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