Recruitment: Competence, merit will prevail

Competence and merit will be the sole criteria guiding the ongoing recruitment exercise, the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has confirmed.

Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (retd) gave this assurance during an interview with journalists in Uyo.

He explained that physical screening and document verification are taking place at 14 centres nationwide, arranged to ensure easy access for all candidates.

During the process, documents submitted online will be checked, and each applicant will undergo a physical assessment to confirm their medical and physical fitness.

Of more than 1.6 million applicants, around 60,000 have been shortlisted for this stage; approximately 30,000 will eventually be appointed.

“I am here in Uyo to oversee the continuation of recruitment for these services. All activities you see today will lead to the final selection of successful candidates. With God’s help, this selection will be based entirely on competence and merit, so that only the most suitable people join the workforce,” Jibril stated.

The screening includes checks of height, eyesight and limb condition, to ensure candidates meet the physical standards required for paramilitary duties. It is open only to those who sat the computer-based test held in November 2025.

Jibril emphasised that the recruitment is completely free of charge, and the Board will not tolerate any form of fraud or improper conduct.

He added that successful candidates must be physically, mentally and medically fit to perform their roles effectively. The exercise began on Monday and will run for the rest of the week at all locations.