The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially paused its ongoing recruitment process into paramilitary agencies, with a new date set for resumption. According to an announcement made on Tuesday, July 16, 2025, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) confirmed that the application portal will be reopened on Monday, July 21, 2025.
The decision was disclosed in a public statement signed by the Secretary to the Board, Maj Gen AM Jibril (rtd), and comes amid increasing concerns over the portal’s stability, efficiency, and capacity to handle the surge in applications.
“The CDCFIB temporarily suspends the recruitment application portal as part of efforts to optimize the efficiency of its system,” the statement read.
The recruitment portal https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng is the official digital gateway for applications into Nigeria’s paramilitary forces, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Federal Fire Service.
Why Was the Portal Suspended?
The CDCFIB explained that the temporary suspension was necessary to improve system performance and ensure transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.
With thousands of applications flooding the portal, many users had reported persistent access errors, page crashes, and verification failures. The board stated that the overwhelming volume of applicants revealed the need for urgent digital infrastructure improvements.
“This development will ensure the portal accommodates the high volume of applications while guaranteeing a smooth, transparent, and fair recruitment process,” the board emphasized.
This isn’t the first delay. The CDCFIB had initially announced that the recruitment portal would go live on June 26, 2025, but due to persistent technical glitches, the opening was postponed to July 14. Now, with a new reopening date of July 21, the board is promising a better, more stable system.
Strong Youth Turnout and Digital Strain
According to the CDCFIB, the massive turnout of young Nigerians keen to join Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies reflects a growing sense of duty and patriotism, as well as a desire for stable employment in tough economic times.
“We appreciate the enthusiasm and interest of young Nigerians to serve their country through these vital agencies and are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process,” the CDCFIB stated.
The spike in digital traffic numbering into hundreds of thousands of login attempts within the first 48 hours of the portal opening reportedly crashed the server, making the upgrade inevitable.
What Agencies Are Involved?
Recruitment is being handled for the following four major paramilitary agencies under the supervision of the CDCFIB:
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
- Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
- Federal Fire Service (FFS)
Each agency has its own unique roles within Nigeria’s national security and emergency response systems, making the recruitment drive a critical aspect of maintaining public safety and law enforcement capacity.
Available Cadres and Eligibility Requirements
Applicants across Nigeria can apply under three primary cadres, based on their educational qualifications:
- Superintendent Cadre – Requires a university degree or equivalent.
- Inspectorate Cadre – Typically requires a National Diploma (ND) or its equivalent.
- Assistant Cadre – For candidates with SSCE (WAEC/NECO) or other relevant lower-tier qualifications
Basic Requirements at a Glance
To be eligible for any of the paramilitary positions, applicants must meet the following general criteria:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth
- Must be between 18 and 35 years old
- Must have a clean criminal record, individuals with criminal or financial misconduct history are automatically disqualified
- Must be physically and medically fit, with documentation from a government-recognized hospital
- Height Requirements:
- Minimum of 1.65 meters for males
- Minimum of 1.60 meters for females
- Males must also have a minimum chest measurement of 0.87 meters
- Must not be involved in any secret society, cult, or gang-related group
Applicants will also be required to upload scanned copies of all credentials and identification documents. Those submitting false information will be disqualified and may face legal consequences.
Avoid Scams and Middlemen
The CDCFIB has strongly warned applicants to be vigilant and avoid fraudsters who might pose as recruitment agents. The board stressed that it does not engage third parties or consultants for any stage of the recruitment process.
“Successful candidates will be contacted directly by the board. Any claim by third parties to influence recruitment should be reported to law enforcement authorities,” the statement warned.
All stages of the recruitment from application to final selection are free of charge.
When Will It Resume Again?
- Date: Monday, July 21, 2025
- Portal Link: https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng
Applicants are advised to keep all necessary documents ready, ensure their internet connection is stable, and try to access the portal early once it reopens. It’s expected that the improved system will include additional bandwidth and server security to withstand high traffic.
