The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has approved the promotion of 27,624 officers across its four paramilitary agencies and announced the reopening of the federal government's recruitment portal for 30,150 personnel. The portal will be accessible from October 28 to November 13, 2026, according to the Board's Secretary, Major General Abdulmalik Jibril (Rtd).
Promotion Breakdown Across Four Agencies
Jibril made the announcement while briefing journalists after the Board's 01-26 meeting in Abuja, speaking on behalf of Board Chairman Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at the Board Secretariat, Old Federal Secretariat Area 1. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps received the largest share of promotions, with 17,343 officers moving up in rank. The Nigeria Correctional Service had 4,601 officers promoted, the Nigeria Immigration Service recorded 4,097 promotions, and the Federal Fire Service had 1,583 officers elevated.
Jibril said the promotions were designed to tackle career stagnation, lift personnel morale, and sharpen service delivery across all four agencies. During the same meeting, the board also approved a healthcare policy framework to improve the health and fitness of officers, and cleared 228 disciplinary cases as part of a broader push to strengthen accountability within the services.
Recruitment Portal and Drug Test Requirements
On recruitment, Jibril confirmed that the portal for the ongoing exercise to hire 30,150 paramilitary personnel will be accessible from October 28 to November 13, 2026. The exercise covers all four agencies under the board's supervision. Candidates who have already progressed to the oral interview stage will be able to check their recruitment status through the portal and then proceed to a mandatory drug test, which will be carried out in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Jibril stressed that the drug test will be conducted at no cost to candidates, as the federal government will cover all expenses. Letters of appointment will only be issued to candidates after the NDLEA certifies them free from illegal substance use. He also issued a strong warning against fraud, urging candidates to reject any requests for payment related to the recruitment process and to report such demands to the relevant security authorities immediately.
Impact and Next Steps for Candidates
The heads of all four paramilitary agencies were present at the briefing. Candidates are advised to use the official portal during the specified window and to follow all instructions regarding the drug test. The board's actions aim to reduce career stagnation and enhance service delivery, while the recruitment exercise seeks to fill critical vacancies across the services. Appointment letters will be issued only after successful NDLEA certification, ensuring that all new personnel meet the required standards.
