Competition for positions in Nigeria’s federal paramilitary agencies has intensified, with more than 1.6 million applications submitted for just 30,000 vacancies under the ongoing recruitment exercise for the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services.

The overwhelming response highlights the continued demand for government employment across the country.

The recruitment, coordinated through the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), covers vacancies in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

Providing an update on the exercise, the Board disclosed that the application portal attracted more than 1.6 million submissions, despite only 30,000 positions being available across the four agencies.

Speaking on the process, the Board stated:

“The Board received over 1.6 million applications for about 30,000 vacancies.”

Officials explained that the next phase of the recruitment will involve screening qualified applicants in accordance with the established guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the exercise.

The Board also assured applicants that every stage of the recruitment would follow due process, urging candidates to rely only on official information and avoid individuals claiming they can influence the selection process.

It further stressed:

“The recruitment exercise is free, fair and transparent.”

Authorities also warned applicants against falling victim to fraudsters demanding payment in exchange for employment, reiterating that the exercise does not require any form of financial inducement.

With applications now concluded, prospective candidates are expected to await announcements on screening dates and other subsequent stages of the recruitment process, which will be communicated through the Board’s official channels.