The CDCFIB 2025 Recruitment Exercise has reached a critical phase as the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board releases the official statistics for the recently concluded Stage 3 CBT examination. As part of the broader CDCFIB Recruitment process, the board has also announced that Stage 4, the Physical Screening and Document Verification, will begin soon. This development marks a significant milestone for thousands of applicants eager to join Nigeria’s key paramilitary agencies.
Overview of CDCFIB 2025 Recruitment Exercise
The CDCFIB Recruitment is a large-scale national exercise designed to select qualified Nigerians for four major paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior:
- Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)
- Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS)
- Federal Fire Service (FFS)
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)
- Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB)
This recruitment process comprises multiple stages aimed at identifying the most suitable candidates for critical security and public service roles nationwide.
Breakdown of CDCFIB 2025 Recruitment Stages
Stage 1: Application Phase (Completed)
Timeline: 14th July 2025 – 11th August 2025
The first phase involved online registration via the CDCFIB portal. A total of 1,873,522 applications were submitted across all services, including:
- NCoS – 165,212
- NIS – 703,499
- FFS – 406,491
- NSCDC – 482,198
- CDCFIB – 116,122
The high turnout, especially the 700,000+ applications for NIS, reflects the strong interest in careers under the CDCFIB Recruitment system.
Stage 2: Shortlisting (Completed)
After screening all submitted applications, CDCFIB released the following results:
- 1,120,491 – Completed applications
- 432,935 – Incomplete applications
- 360,923 – Disqualified due to ineligibility or inaccurate information
This phase reduced the pool from 1.8 million+ applicants to just over 1 million eligible individuals.
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Stage 3: Computer-Based Test (Completed)
Examination Period: 12th–19th November 2025
A total of 872,391 candidates (77.9%) sat for the online CBT examination.
Key Exam Statistics
- 106,408 violations (malpractice or rule breaches)
- 141,692 absent candidates
- Score distribution:
- 0 – 40: 221,996 (Poor)
- 41–60: 229,155 (Below Average)
- 61 – 80: 278,543 (Good)
- 81–100: 142,697 (Excellent)
Candidates scoring 61 and above, approximately 421,240 individuals, stand the strongest chance of advancing to the next stage of CDCFIB Recruitment.
State Participation Highlights
- Highest: Lagos (~79,000), Kano (~65,000), Rivers (~56,000), Kaduna (~53,000), Oyo (~45,000)
- Lowest: Bayelsa (~9,000), Nasarawa (~14,000)
These variations reflect differing levels of interest and population distribution across states.
Stage 4: Physical Screening and Document Verification (Coming Soon)
The CDCFIB has confirmed that Stage 4 will begin soon, though the exact date has not yet been announced.
What to Expect During Physical Screening
This stage has two major components:
- Document Verification
Candidates must present original copies of:
- Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
- First School Leaving Certificate
- WAEC/NECO/NABTEB O’Level results
- Degree/ND/NCE certificates
- State of Origin Certificate
- Local Government Identification Letter
- NYSC Certificate (where applicable)
- Valid ID (NIN, Voter’s Card, Driver’s License, Passport)
- Passport photographs
- Printed application slip
Failure to provide originals or submission of fake documents leads to instant disqualification.
- Physical Screening
This involves height checks, physical fitness assessments, appearance checks, and other suitability evaluations typical in CDCFIB Recruitment exercises.
Who Is Likely to Be Invited for Stage 4?
Based on past recruitment patterns:
- Candidates scoring 61 and above
- Those without examination violations
- Candidates meeting federal character requirements
- Applicants whose documents are authentic and complete
Cut-off marks will vary by service (NIS, NCoS, NSCDC, FFS) and state.
Important Warnings for Applicants
The board continues to warn candidates to avoid:
- Paying anyone for assistance
- Using agents or middlemen
- Submitting fake documents
- Engaging in exam malpractice
The entire CDCFIB recruitment process is free, transparent, and merit-driven.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will Stage 4 begin?
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has indicated that Stage 4, which is the Physical Screening and Document Verification, is “Coming Soon.” While an exact date has not been announced, candidates are strongly advised to regularly monitor the official CDCFIB website and their registered email addresses for updates. Being proactive ensures you are ready to attend the physical screening as soon as invitations are released. Staying informed also helps you prepare all the required documents and avoid missing deadlines.
2. Are original documents compulsory?
Yes, presenting original documents is mandatory for Stage 4 of the CDCFIB recruitment exercise. Candidates must provide all original certificates, including academic credentials (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB, degrees, diplomas), birth certificates, NYSC discharge or exemption certificates, and valid forms of identification such as a National ID, voter’s card, driver’s license, or international passport. Photocopies or scanned versions will not be accepted; failure to present originals will result in immediate disqualification. Candidates are also advised to keep photocopies for personal reference while safeguarding the originals.
3. Where will the physical screening take place?
The physical screening and document verification centres are typically designated by the state to accommodate all qualified candidates nationwide. Specific locations will be included in the official invitation letters sent to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. Candidates need to wait for the official notification before travelling to any screening location to avoid misinformation or disqualification.
4. What score guarantees selection for Stage 4?
The board has not released an official cut-off mark for Stage 4 invitations. However, based on historical CDCFIB recruitment patterns, candidates who scored 61 or higher on the Stage 3 CBT examination have the highest likelihood of being invited to the physical screening. Scores are evaluated alongside other factors, such as available vacancies in specific services, the state of origin for federal character compliance, and candidates’ overall eligibility. It is important to note that a higher score does not automatically guarantee selection, but it significantly improves your chances.
5. Can candidates who missed Stage 3 CBT still participate?
No. The CDCFIB recruitment exercise is sequential, and candidates must complete each stage to progress. Those who were absent during the Stage 3 CBT examination cannot proceed to Stage 4. This rule ensures fairness and adherence to the recruitment guidelines. Candidates who missed Stage 3 will have to wait for the next recruitment cycle to apply again.
For more information or inquiries, kindly visit the CDCFIB website.
