Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | Journalist at Weng Global
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has cautioned Nigerians seeking employment into the nation’s paramilitary agencies against a fake recruitment update circulating across social media, describing the information as false and misleading.
The board said the viral message, which claims that applicants would be able to check the status of their recruitment applications beginning Monday, August 3, did not originate from the agency and should be ignored by members of the public.
In a statement released by the board, officials emphasized that no date has been announced for applicants to verify the status of their applications or proceed to the next stage of the ongoing recruitment exercise.
Fake Recruitment Notice Raises Concern
According to the CDCFIB, fraudsters have continued to exploit the high level of public interest surrounding the ongoing recruitment exercise by circulating fabricated notices intended to deceive unsuspecting applicants.
The board explained that one of the latest fake messages falsely informed candidates that the recruitment portal would reopen on August 3 for application status checks and subsequent screening processes.
Authorities warned that the information is entirely false and urged applicants not to act on unofficial announcements shared on WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, X (formerly Twitter), or other social media platforms.
The board stressed that recruitment information would only be released through its officially recognized communication channels.
Applicants Advised to Ignore Unverified Messages
The CDCFIB advised all applicants to remain patient while the recruitment process continues.
Officials noted that any genuine update regarding screening, aptitude tests, physical verification, interviews, or successful applications would be publicly announced through verified government platforms.
The board warned that individuals who rely on unofficial sources risk becoming victims of scams designed to steal personal information or extort money.
Applicants were reminded that no candidate is expected to pay any fee at any stage of the federal recruitment exercise.
Recruitment Process Remains Transparent
The board reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent, fair and merit-based recruitment process.
According to the statement, every eligible applicant will receive equal consideration in accordance with the established recruitment guidelines.
Officials emphasized that no external individual, agent or organization has been authorized to influence the recruitment process or offer employment opportunities in exchange for money.
The CDCFIB therefore urged applicants to disregard anyone claiming to possess insider information or guaranteed access to employment.
Beware of Recruitment Scammers
Government agencies have repeatedly warned that fraudsters often take advantage of large-scale recruitment exercises by impersonating officials and creating fake websites or social media accounts.
These scammers frequently promise successful applicants employment slots after demanding payments for registration, processing, medical examinations or documentation.
The CDCFIB reaffirmed that its recruitment process is completely free and that applicants should never send money to anyone claiming to represent the board.
Candidates were encouraged to report suspicious messages and fraudulent activities to relevant authorities.
Importance of Using Official Information
With thousands of Nigerians applying for positions across the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), officials acknowledged the anxiety among applicants awaiting the next phase of recruitment.
However, the board urged candidates to exercise patience and avoid spreading unverified information that could create unnecessary confusion.
It further encouraged applicants to monitor only official government announcements for authentic recruitment updates.
Public Urged to Stay Vigilant
The CDCFIB concluded by appealing to members of the public to verify every recruitment-related announcement before sharing it.
It said misinformation not only creates panic among applicants but also provides opportunities for criminals to exploit desperate job seekers.
The board assured applicants that once any new stage of the recruitment exercise is approved, it will communicate the development through official channels, ensuring that all candidates receive accurate and timely information simultaneously.
For now, applicants have been advised to disregard the circulating August 3 status-check notice, as it is not an official communication from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board.
Sources
- Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB)
- Federal Ministry of Interior
