Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has sanctioned the immediate cessation of the manufacturing and distribution of Unified Business Identification Cards throughout the state.
The announcement was made in a statement by Babayo Liman, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Internal Security, and was provided to journalists in Bauchi on Friday.
The action was prompted by complaints of individuals purportedly creating counterfeit identification cards to extort funds from traders and business proprietors.
Liman stated that the Unified Business Identification Card was initially implemented by the state government to enhance internal security and facilitate the identification of business operators in Bauchi State.
He stated that investigations uncovered that fraudulent individuals were extorting approximately N3,000 from traders while deceitfully asserting they were representing the state government and the Department of Internal Security.
The state governor has sanctioned an immediate halt to the creation and distribution of ID cards awaiting a comprehensive assessment and inquiry, according to the statement.
He stated that the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs would now oversee the exercise to provide adequate monitoring and accountability.
Liman also implored the public to report anyone engaged in extortion, cautioning that such individuals would face arrest and prosecution.