… Eligible candidates to obtain screening codes, undergo free NDLEA tests
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) is expected to reopen its recruitment portal from October 28 to November 13, 2026, to enable eligible applicants to check their recruitment status and obtain codes for mandatory drug screening.
The exercise is part of the final stages of the ongoing recruitment into four paramilitary agencies under the Federal Ministry of Interior: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service and Federal Fire Service.
According to information attributed to the board’s Secretary, Maj. Gen. A.M. Jibril (rtd.), the portal reopening is intended for candidates who have progressed through the recruitment process, including the oral interview stage.
The reopening is not a fresh recruitment exercise and will not provide an opportunity for new applicants to submit applications.
Instead, eligible candidates are expected to log in to the recruitment portal within the stipulated period to confirm their status and determine whether they qualify for the mandatory drug test.
Drug Screening to Be Conducted by NDLEA
Under the reported arrangement, candidates who qualify for the screening will be required to visit designated offices of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in their respective states for testing.
Applicants are expected to obtain their screening codes through the CDCFIB recruitment portal before proceeding to their assigned screening locations.
The procedure is intended to ensure that candidates complete the drug test through the approved channels and that their results are properly linked to their recruitment records.
Jibril reportedly disclosed the development during the board’s second meeting for the year, explaining that the exercise would enable eligible candidates to complete the outstanding requirements before the conclusion of the recruitment process.
The drug screening will reportedly be conducted free of charge, with the Federal Government bearing the cost.
Candidates are therefore not expected to pay for the mandatory test and have been advised to follow the official instructions regarding documentation, screening locations and other requirements.
The reported arrangement also provides for the prompt release of results to enable candidates who meet the requirements to proceed to the remaining stages of the recruitment process.
No Payment Required for Screening
The announcement that the drug test will be free is significant for applicants who have spent months participating in the various stages of the recruitment exercise.
Candidates have been advised to be wary of individuals demanding money for screening, promising to influence recruitment outcomes or offering to secure appointment letters through unofficial channels.
Applicants who encounter demands for payment for the mandatory drug test are advised to report the matter to the appropriate authorities.
They should also avoid sharing sensitive personal information with unauthorised individuals or making payments to intermediaries who claim to have connections within the board or the participating agencies.
The CDCFIB recruitment process is expected to remain free, with the official recruitment portal serving as the primary channel for checking application status and obtaining relevant instructions.
30,000 Personnel Targeted in First Phase
The recruitment exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s reported plan to recruit 30,000 personnel into the four paramilitary services in the first phase of a broader target of enlisting 120,000 young Nigerians.
The agencies perform complementary functions in Nigeria’s internal security and public safety framework.
The NSCDC is responsible for civil protection and the safeguarding of critical national assets and infrastructure, among other statutory duties.
The Nigeria Immigration Service oversees immigration control and border management, while the Nigerian Correctional Service is responsible for custodial and non-custodial correctional services.
The Federal Fire Service handles fire prevention, firefighting and related emergency response operations.
The proposed recruitment is expected to strengthen manpower capacity across the agencies and support their operational responsibilities.
However, the effectiveness of the exercise will also depend on adequate training, equipment, deployment and the availability of resources to support the new personnel.
Appointment Letters Subject to Final Clearance
Candidates who successfully complete the drug screening will still be required to satisfy all other applicable recruitment conditions before their appointments can be finalised.
According to the information attributed to the board secretary, candidates who meet the requirements are expected to proceed to Abuja to collect their appointment letters after completing the necessary checks.
Evidence of compliance with the drug-free requirement is expected to form part of the conditions for appointment.
Applicants have therefore been cautioned against assuming that participation in the drug test automatically guarantees employment, as final appointments remain subject to successful screening and compliance with all other recruitment requirements.
Candidates Advised to Check Official Portal
Eligible applicants are advised to monitor the recruitment portal between October 28 and November 13, 2026, for updates on their status, screening codes and designated NDLEA offices.
The portal can be accessed at CDCFIB Recruitment Portal
Candidates should verify all recruitment-related announcements through official channels and avoid clicking on suspicious links or acting on unverified messages circulated on social media.
They are also advised to make the necessary preparations to complete the screening within the stipulated period if they qualify.
The October 28 to November 13 window is expected to be a crucial stage for applicants who have progressed to the final phase of the recruitment exercise, as successful completion of the drug test and other outstanding requirements will determine their eligibility to proceed to the appointment stage.
Note: Candidates should confirm the reopening dates and screening instructions through official CDCFIB channels before making travel arrangements, as the details above are based on the information supplied and have not been independently verified.
