After months of anticipation, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has officially announced the commencement of the next stage of its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise. In a statement signed on Saturday, June 13, 2026 by the Secretary to the Board, Major General A.M. Jibril (Rtd.), the Board directed all applicants who participated in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) held in November 2025 to log on to the official recruitment portal and verify their status.
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This marks a major milestone in what has been one of Nigeria’s largest and most closely watched paramilitary recruitment exercises in recent years — one that attracted nearly 1.9 million applications from Nigerians across all 36 states and the FCT.
The next stage of the exercise is Physical Screening and Document Verification, and the window to check your status has already opened. This guide provides everything applicants need to know.
What Is the CDCFIB and Which Agencies Are Covered?
The CDCFIB — Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board — is the federal government body responsible for overseeing recruitment into Nigeria’s key paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior. The 2024/2025 recruitment exercise covers the following services:
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)
- Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
- Federal Fire Service (FFS)
If you applied to any of these agencies and sat for the CBT examination in November 2025, this announcement is directly relevant to you.
The Recruitment Journey So Far (A Stage-by-Stage Summary)
To fully appreciate where the process stands, it helps to recap what has happened across each stage since the exercise began.
Stage 1: Application Phase (July 14 to August 11, 2025)
The exercise opened for public applications via the official CDCFIB portal. The response was overwhelming. A total of 1,873,522 applications were submitted across all services:
| Agency | Applications Received |
|---|---|
| Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) | 703,499 |
| Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) | 482,198 |
| Federal Fire Service (FFS) | 406,491 |
| Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) | 165,212 |
| CDCFIB (Board level) | 116,122 |
| Total | 1,873,522 |
The volume of applications — particularly for the NIS — reflects the extraordinary level of public interest in government paramilitary careers.
Stage 2: Shortlisting (Completed)
Following the close of applications, the Board conducted a comprehensive review of all submitted forms. The results of that review were as follows:
- 1,120,491 applications were deemed complete and eligible
- 432,935 applications were flagged as incomplete
- 360,923 applicants were disqualified due to ineligibility or inaccurate information submitted during registration
The shortlisting phase reduced the pool from nearly 1.9 million applicants to just over 1.1 million eligible candidates who were cleared to proceed to the CBT.
Stage 3: Computer-Based Test (November 12 to 19, 2025)
The CBT examination was held across multiple centres nationwide over a one-week period in November 2025. Of the over 1.1 million eligible applicants, a total of 872,391 candidates (77.9%) actually sat for the examination.
The performance statistics from the CBT were as follows:
| Score Range | Number of Candidates | Performance Category |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 40 | 221,996 | Poor |
| 41 – 60 | 229,155 | Below Average |
| 61 – 80 | 278,543 | Good |
| 81 – 100 | 142,697 | Excellent |
Stage 4: Physical Screening and Document Verification (Current Stage)
This is where the process currently stands. The Board has confirmed that the next stage of the exercise is Physical Screening and Document Verification, and it is now underway.
Full Guide to the Next Stage of the 2024/2025 CDCFIB Recruitment Exercise
Step 1: Visit the Recruitment Portal (15–20 June 2026)
The window to check your status opened on Monday, June 15, 2026, and closes on Saturday, June 20, 2026. If you have not yet visited the portal, do so immediately. Missing this window could affect your ability to proceed.
The first step is straightforward but time-sensitive. All applicants who participated in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) held in November 2025 are required to visit the official CDCFIB recruitment portal during the window of 15th to 20th June 2026 to verify their status.
What to do:
- Go to the official portal: https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng
- Enter your Application Number which is the same number generated during your initial registration when you first applied
- Access the portal only through the official URL above. Do not use links shared on WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media
What you need: Your Application Number is the only credential required to access the portal at this stage. If you have misplaced it, check the email address you used during registration. It was sent there at the time of your initial sign-up.
Do not share your Application Number with any third party. This number is your personal access key to the recruitment portal. Sharing it with agents or individuals claiming to assist you is a security risk and could compromise your application.
Step 2: Shortlist Verification
Once you enter your Application Number on the portal, the system will automatically verify your status. This is the moment candidates have been waiting for it will confirm definitively whether you have been shortlisted for the physical examination stage.
There are two possible outcomes:
If you are shortlisted: You will be directed to the document upload section of the portal, where you proceed immediately to Step 3.
If you are not shortlisted: Your process ends at this stage. The system will indicate that you have not been selected to proceed to the physical examination. Non-shortlisted candidates are advised to monitor official CDCFIB channels for any future recruitment opportunities.
Step 3: Upload Your Documents and Select Your Physical Exam Date (15–20 June 2026)
Shortlisted candidates will proceed directly to the document upload section of the portal within the same 15–20 June 2026 window. This step involves two actions that must both be completed before the portal closes.
Upload Your Required Documents
Candidates are required to upload all supporting documents as specified on the portal. Ensure that every document is scanned clearly, is legible, and is uploaded in the correct format before submitting. Common documents expected at this stage typically include:
- Academic certificates (O’Level results, degree, ND, or NCE as applicable)
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
- State of Origin Certificate
- Local Government Identification Letter
- NYSC Discharge Certificate, Exemption Letter, or Exclusion Letter (where applicable)
- Valid government-issued ID (National ID/NIN slip, Voter’s Card, Driver’s Licence, or International Passport)
- Passport photographs
Follow the specific document list displayed on your portal dashboard, as requirements may vary slightly by agency.
Select Your Preferred Date and Venue
During this step, candidates also select their preferred date and physical examination centre. This is a critical choice — venue slots are limited and non-transferable.
- Select a venue within your area wherever possible, as slots cannot be transferred to another location once confirmed
- Choose your date carefully and confirm your submission before the portal closes on 20 June 2026
- Once submitted, check all details are correct — your name, selected venue, and chosen date
Act quickly. Venue slots will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates who delay logging in risk finding their preferred centres already fully booked.
Step 4: Download and Print Your Examination Slip
Immediately after completing your document upload and venue selection, the portal will generate your Examination Slip. This slip is your official entry pass for the physical examination and must be handled with great care.
What to do immediately after submission:
- Download your Examination Slip from the portal right away — do not close the page without saving it
- Print at least two copies and keep them in a safe place
- Carefully verify the following details on your printed slip before leaving:
- Your full name
- Examination date
- Examination venue
- Candidate number
Your Examination Slip is your entry pass. Without it, you cannot be admitted into the physical examination venue. Safeguard it. Do not lose it, fold it excessively, or allow it to become damaged.
Step 5: Attend the Physical Examination (Commencing 22 June 2026)
Physical examination begins on Sunday, 22 June 2026, across centres nationwide. Candidates should attend on the specific date they selected during the portal registration phase.
What to Bring
Only your printed Examination Slip is required at the venue. Documents were uploaded digitally during Step 3, so candidates do not need to carry physical document files to the examination venue.
Conduct and Timing
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled examination time. Punctuality is critical — late arrivals may be denied entry entirely, and no exceptions or rescheduling will be offered to candidates who miss their time slot
- Dress appropriately for a physical fitness assessment. Wear comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity. Avoid formal attire, heavy footwear, or anything that restricts movement
- Remain calm and follow all instructions issued by CDCFIB officials at the venue
What the Physical Examination Involves
The physical examination is a fitness and appearance-based assessment standard to paramilitary recruitment exercises in Nigeria. Candidates should expect evaluations of:
- General physical fitness and bearing
- Height and physical stature (minimum requirements apply per agency)
- Physical appearance and suitability for uniformed service
- Any other agency-specific physical requirements as communicated on the day
Late arrivals may be denied entry. There will be no grace period. Budget extra travel time to account for traffic or unfamiliar routes to your selected venue.
Step 6: Check Phase 1 Results and Proceed
Following the physical examination, the CDCFIB will release Phase 1 Results on the official recruitment portal. The date for this announcement has not yet been confirmed and will be communicated through official CDCFIB channels.
What to expect:
- Results will be published on the official portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng
- Successful candidates will advance to Phase 2, which comprises Fitness and Oral Examinations
- Unsuccessful candidates will not progress further in this recruitment cycle
Monitor official CDCFIB channels only. Do not rely on social media posts, WhatsApp broadcasts, or third-party websites for results. The official portal and CDCFIB’s verified social media accounts are the only trustworthy sources of recruitment updates.
What Happens During Physical Screening?
Physical screening is a two-part assessment designed to verify that candidates are genuinely qualified and physically fit for paramilitary service.
Component 1: Document Verification
Candidates will be required to present original copies of all credentials and supporting documents. Photocopies alone will not be accepted, and submission of fake or forged documents will result in immediate and permanent disqualification.
The following documents are typically required:
- Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age
- First School Leaving Certificate
- WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB O’Level results
- University Degree, ND, or NCE certificate (as applicable)
- Statement of Result or Transcript (where the certificate is not yet available)
- State of Origin Certificate
- Local Government Identification Letter
- NYSC Discharge Certificate, Exemption Certificate, or Exclusion Letter (where applicable)
- Valid government-issued ID — National ID Card (NIN slip), Voter’s Card, Driver’s Licence, or International Passport
- Printed copy of your original application slip from the CDCFIB portal
- Recent passport-sized photographs
Important: Ensure every document you present is the original. Bring photocopies as well for reference, but understand that it is the originals that will be verified.
Component 2: Physical Assessment
In addition to document verification, candidates will undergo a physical evaluation typical of paramilitary recruitment exercises. This assessment usually includes:
- Height check — minimum height requirements apply and vary by service
- Physical fitness assessment — general physical condition and appearance
- General appearance and suitability check — candidates are assessed for physical bearing appropriate to uniformed service
- Other checks as may be determined by each agency’s specific requirements
Who Is to Be Invited for Physical Screening?
Based on the CBT results and patterns from previous CDCFIB recruitment exercises, the candidates most likely to progress to physical screening are those who:
- Scored 61 and above in the CBT examination
- Were not flagged for examination violations or malpractice
- Attended their scheduled CBT session (absent candidates cannot proceed)
- Submitted genuine and complete credentials during initial registration
- Meet the federal character requirements for their chosen agency and state of origin
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I check if I have been shortlisted for the next stage? Visit the official CDCFIB recruitment portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng between June 15 and June 20, 2026, and log in using the Application Number you received during your initial registration. Your status will indicate whether you have been shortlisted for physical screening.
2. What if I cannot remember my Application Number? Your Application Number was sent to the email address you used during registration. Check your inbox and spam folder. If you still cannot locate it, visit the portal’s help or recovery section. It is strongly advised to retrieve this number as soon as possible before the status check window closes.
3. I scored below 61 in the CBT. Can I still be shortlisted? The CDCFIB has not released an official cut-off mark, so it remains possible to check your status regardless of your score. However, based on the score distribution and available vacancies, candidates who scored 61 and above stand the strongest chance of advancing. Checking the portal is still the only way to know your official status.
4. I was absent during the CBT in November 2025. Can I still proceed? No. The recruitment exercise is sequential. Candidates who did not sit for the CBT cannot be shortlisted for physical screening. Affected candidates will need to wait for a future recruitment cycle.
5. What documents must I bring to physical screening? You must bring original copies of all your academic credentials, your birth certificate or age declaration, your State of Origin certificate, a Local Government identification letter, your NYSC discharge or exemption certificate (where applicable), a valid government-issued ID, recent passport photographs, and a printed copy of your application slip. All originals will be verified on the day, and absence of originals or presentation of forged documents leads to immediate disqualification.
6. Can I change my preferred screening venue after selecting one on the portal? This depends on the portal’s settings at the time of selection. It is advisable to confirm your venue carefully before submitting, and then monitor the portal for any updates or instructions regarding changes.
7. Will the physical screening dates be the same for all agencies? Screening dates and locations may vary by agency (NIS, NSCDC, NCoS, FFS) and by state. Candidates should check the portal carefully and follow the specific instructions relevant to the agency they applied for.
8. Is there any payment required at the screening venue? Absolutely not. The CDCFIB recruitment process is entirely free. No payment should be made to any individual, officer, agent, or organisation at any point during the process. Anyone requesting payment is acting fraudulently.
9. I saw a message on WhatsApp saying screening has started in my state. Is it real? Do not act on unofficial announcements circulating on social media or WhatsApp. The CDCFIB has previously warned the public about fake announcements. All genuine updates are published on the official portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng. Verify everything there before taking any action.
10. I was flagged for exam violations during the CBT. Can I still proceed? Candidates flagged for violations during the CBT examination are unlikely to be shortlisted for physical screening. The Board has been clear that the process is merit-based and that integrity violations are treated seriously. If you were flagged, check your portal status for a definitive answer.
