The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has announced that its recruitment portal will reopen from October 28 to November 13, 2026, for candidates who have advanced to the final stages of the ongoing recruitment exercise.

The board also approved the promotion of 27,624 personnel across four paramilitary agencies and decisions on 228 disciplinary cases.

The Secretary to the Board, Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.), disclosed the decisions after the board’s 2026 meeting in Abuja, speaking on behalf of the Chairman and Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Portal Reopening Not For Fresh Applications

Jibril explained that the portal reopening is not a fresh recruitment exercise but an opportunity for eligible candidates to check their status and complete outstanding requirements.

Candidates who have reached the oral interview stage are expected to log in to the recruitment portal between October 28 and November 13 to confirm their status and obtain codes for mandatory drug screening.

The screening will be conducted at National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) offices in candidates’ respective states.

Jibril stressed that the drug test would be free, with the Federal Government covering the cost. He warned applicants against paying individuals or intermediaries to facilitate the process.

Candidates who are asked to pay for the screening were advised to report the matter to the nearest security agency.

Those who successfully complete the required screening will proceed to Abuja to collect their appointment letters, subject to meeting other recruitment conditions.

NSCDC Records Highest Number Of Promotions

The board approved 27,624 promotions across the four agencies under its supervision.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recorded the highest number, with 17,343 personnel promoted.

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) followed with 4,601 promotions, while the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) recorded 4,097. The Federal Fire Service (FFS) accounted for 1,583 promotions.

Jibril said the approvals were intended to address career stagnation, improve personnel morale and strengthen service delivery across the agencies.

The board also approved decisions on 228 disciplinary cases as part of efforts to promote accountability and professionalism.

It further approved a healthcare policy framework aimed at improving the fitness, welfare and general wellbeing of personnel.

Recruitment Exercise Attracted 1.8 Million Applicants

The ongoing recruitment exercise reportedly attracted more than 1.8 million applications after it was launched in July 2025.

Of the applicants, 573,523 advanced to document screening, while 286,697 were shortlisted for the computer-based test. A total of 221,996 candidates reportedly failed to meet the required benchmark at that stage.

The current recruitment process covers the NSCDC, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Federal Fire Service.

The board urged candidates to rely on its official communication channels for updates and to avoid anyone demanding payment or promising to influence recruitment outcomes.