The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has officially released the shortlist of candidates eligible to participate in the upcoming Computer-Based Test (CBT) for recruitment into Nigeria’s key paramilitary agencies. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the ongoing recruitment exercise that has drawn unprecedented interest across the nation.
Who and What
The shortlisted candidates are those who applied for positions in four major paramilitary bodies: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). According to the Board’s secretary, retired Major General Abdulmalik Jubril, candidates can now access the official CDCFIB recruitment portal from October 30, 2025, to check their status for the CBT phase, including details about their examination venues, dates, and times.
Background and Scale
The recruitment drive, which closed its application window on August 11, 2025, attracted over 1.9 million applicants nationwide, demonstrating a highly competitive and sought-after opportunity for youths seeking careers in Nigeria’s paramilitary forces. The CBT represents the next critical step designed to assess applicants’ suitability through aptitude tests covering English language, mathematics, current affairs, logical reasoning, and subject-specific questions relevant to their desired roles.
Real-Life Impact and Importance
For many Nigerians, this recruitment is more than a job opportunity; it symbolizes hope for social mobility and a chance to contribute to national security and civil order amid growing challenges across the country. A prospective candidate interviewed in Lagos shared, “This recruitment exercise gives many of us hope for stable jobs and a dignified future. Passing the CBT will be the first step to a better life”.
The Board emphasized the recruitment’s transparency and meritocracy, cautioning candidates against fraudsters impersonating officials to extract fees or personal information. All confirmations and updates must come solely from the official portal: https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng.
Next Steps and What’s Ahead
After successful completion of the CBT, candidates who meet the required standard will advance to physical and medical screenings before the final selection and training phase. This phased process ensures only qualified, disciplined individuals join these paramilitary institutions, which are essential for maintaining public safety, border control, and emergency response.
The Board appeals to all shortlisted candidates to prepare thoroughly for the CBT, arrive early on test days with necessary documents like the invitation slip and valid ID, and remain vigilant against scams. As the nation awaits the test results, the CDCFIB recruitment process stands as a vital stepping stone in reinforcing Nigeria’s security infrastructure with young, capable manpower.
Summary
The release of the CDCFIB shortlist for the paramilitary recruitment CBT is a critical phase in finalizing the selection of Nigeria’s future civil defence, correctional, fire, and immigration officers. Amid record application numbers and a rigorous testing process, the focus now shifts to preparation, integrity, and ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are inducted to serve and protect Nigeria’s populace.
