HARNESSING BIOMETRIC SIM REGISTRATION IN FIGHTING INSECURITY AND CRIMINALITY IN SOUTH- EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The rising incidence of insecurity and criminality in Nigeria, particularly in South-Eastern Nigeria, continues to threaten socio-economic stability, public safety, and nationaldevelopment. Criminal networks increasingly exploit mobile communication technologies tocoordinate kidnappings, armed robbery, cybercrime, and other organized offenses, often relying onanonymity enabled by weak Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) registration systems. This studyexamines biometric SIM registration as a strategic intervention for combating insecurity andcriminality in the region. Adopting a qualitative research design based on secondary data andtheoretical interpretation, the study draws on criminological perspectives and biometricidentification frameworks to assess the policy’s effectiveness. Anchored in structural functionalisttheory, the analysis conceptualizes biometric SIM registration as a structural mechanism introducedto restore social order by linking mobile subscribers to verifiable biometric identifiers such asfingerprints and facial data. The findings suggest that biometric integration enhances traceability,strengthens intelligence-led policing, and aligns with primary and secondary crime preventionstrategies by increasing the risk of detection and reducing opportunities for anonymouscommunication. However, challenges relating to data protection, institutional coordination,infrastructural deficits, and public trust limit its full potential. The study concludes that biometricSIM registration can significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture if supported by robustgovernance mechanisms. It recommends that the National Identity Management Commission(NIMC) ensure the integrity and security of the National Identity Database (NIDB) to preventbreaches and fraudulent activities. Furthermore, the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), NIMC, and security agencies must establish a unified and real-time data-sharing protocolto enhance coordinated enforcement and investigative efficiency.