Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has approved the immediate suspension of the production and distribution of Unified Business Identification Cards across the state.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Friday by the Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Internal Security, Babayo Liman.
According to the statement, the suspension followed reports that some individuals were allegedly producing fake identification cards and using them to extort traders and business owners.
Liman explained that the Unified Business Identification Card initiative was originally introduced by the state government to enhance internal security and improve the identification of business operators in Bauchi State.
However, investigations reportedly uncovered that some fraudulent persons were collecting about N3,000 from traders while falsely claiming to represent the state government and the Department of Internal Security.
“In response, the state governor has approved an immediate suspension of the production and issuance of the ID cards pending a full review and investigation,” the statement said.
He added that the exercise would now be overseen by the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to ensure proper monitoring and accountability.
Liman also called on members of the public to report anyone involved in extortion, warning that offenders would be arrested and prosecuted.
