The Federal Government has directed shortlisted candidates in the ongoing paramilitary recruitment exercise to undergo mandatory drug tests before collecting their appointment letters.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) said its recruitment portal would reopen from October 28 to November 13, 2026, to enable eligible candidates to check their status and obtain codes for the screening.

The board’s Secretary, Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.), announced the development on Thursday after a board meeting in Abuja, according to a report by PUNCH. <Cite refs={[“turn992328news6″,”turn992328news7”]}/>

Jibril said candidates who had progressed to the oral interview stage would be required to log into the recruitment portal, confirm their status and obtain the code needed to undergo the drug test.

The screening will be conducted at designated National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) offices in candidates’ respective states. Those who complete the process will be expected to present a certificate confirming that they are free from illegal drug use before collecting their appointment letters.

The requirement applies to recruitment into four agencies: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigerian Correctional Service and Federal Fire Service. <Cite refs={[“turn992328news6″,”turn992328search0”]}/>

The board secretary said the drug test would be free, with the Federal Government covering the cost. He warned candidates against paying anyone for the screening and advised those asked to pay to report the demand to the nearest security agency. <Cite refs={[“turn992328news6″,”turn992328news8”]}/>

The portal reopening is part of the ongoing recruitment process and is not an invitation for fresh applications. Candidates are advised to rely on the official CDCFIB recruitment portal for updates and instructions.

The recruitment exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s plan to recruit 120,000 personnel into the four paramilitary services, with the first batch comprising 30,000 recruits, Jibril said. <Cite refs={[“turn992328news6″,”turn992328news8”]}/>

Eligible applicants are expected to complete the drug test within the stated period and satisfy the remaining recruitment requirements before their appointments are finalised.