The 2025 recruitment cycle by the CDCFIB has stirred national attention — not just for the sheer number of applicants, but for some startling revelations about screening performance, regional participation, and exam outcomes. Whether you applied or are simply curious, the new statistics reveal truths that many weren’t ready for. We have brought you 2025 CDCFIB Recruitment Update. Sit back and read.
In this post you’ll discover seven shocking insights from the published recruitment dashboard — data from application, shortlisting, to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) stage — plus what that means for hopeful candidates and Nigeria’s security-service manpower.
Background: What is CDCFIB and What Was the 2025 Recruitment About
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) is the federal board overseeing recruitment into major paramilitary agencies: the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS). Leaving Nigeria+2Vanguard News+2
The 2025 recruitment exercise was massive — more than 1.9 million Nigerians applied across all services. Nairametrics+2Businessday NG+2 The application portal opened mid-July (after a delay) and closed August 11, 2025. Nairametrics+2PM News Nigeria+2
After application closure, CDCFIB moved to shortlisting, then to CBT. Results for the CBT have now been published via the official portal (recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng) and widely reported across credible news outlets. Vanguard News+2Nairametrics+2
Given the scale and significance, the findings from the dashboard deserve close attention — especially for anyone hoping to succeed in the next stages.
1. Shocking Insight #1 — Nearly 2 Million Nigerians Applied for Just ~30,000 Vacancies
When the portal closed on August 11, 2025, CDCFIB confirmed it had received a staggering 1.9 million applications across all states and agencies. Nairametrics+2Businessday NG+2
Yet the total number of vacancies announced was much lower — a few tens of thousands across all agencies. Businessday NG+1
Why this matters:
- There’s extreme competition — only a tiny fraction of applicants will be ultimately selected.
- High interest reflects economic pressures and the appeal of stable paramilitary jobs.
- Many applicants are likely not prepared for the multiple selection stages (document verification, fitness test, CBT, etc.)
2. Shocking Insight #2 — Over 360,000 Applications Were Disqualified Before CBT
After the application phase, CDCFIB began shortlisting. According to the dashboard:
- 1,120,491 applications were completed successfully and moved forward. Npower Discussion Group+2Leaving Nigeria+2
- 432,935 applications were marked “incomplete.” Leaving Nigeria+2CareerHub+2
- 360,923 applications were disqualified — due to ineligibility, missing documents, errors, or failure to meet requirements. Npower Discussion Group+2Leaving Nigeria+2
That translates to almost 1 in 5 applicants being eliminated before even reaching the exam stage.
Takeaway on 2025 CDCFIB Recruitment Update:
- Many applicants likely rushed or didn’t pay close attention to requirements (documents, education, eligibility, correct uploads).
- Accuracy and completeness matter — sloppy applications drastically reduce chances.
- For future exercises: double-check every detail before submission.
3. Shocking Insight #3 — CBT Attendance and Violations Knocked Out a Huge Number
The CBT (Computer-Based Test) was the next major filter for the shortlisted candidates. Reports show:
- The CBT was held between 12 and 19 November 2025. Npower Discussion Group+2Vanguard News+2
- Out of the shortlisted pool, a large portion either didn’t show up or had violations: the dashboard reportedly flagged absentees and violations among candidates — reducing valid participation further. Nairametrics+2Oppotunities Hub+2
Additionally, according to a recent report: 221,996 candidates failed the CBT even though they reached that stage. Nairametrics+1
Implications:
- Many candidates lost the opportunity due to non-attendance or rule violations — not necessarily because of low competence.
- The exam stage became a major bottleneck — making it arguably the most critical step in the recruitment.
- This serves as a warning: follow all instructions strictly, avoid misconduct, and make sure you attend.
4. Shocking Insight #4 — Performance Distribution Reveals Very Few High Scorers
The national score distribution from the CBT reveals a worrying pattern for many hopefuls: Npower Discussion Group+2Nairametrics+2
- 0–40: 221,996 candidates — failed badly. Npower Discussion Group+1
- 41–60: 229,155 candidates — still far from safe. Npower Discussion Group+1
- 61–80: 278,543 candidates — average; may or may not progress depending on cut-offs. Npower Discussion Group+1
- 81–100: 142,697 candidates — better chances, but still only a small fraction relative to total applicants. Npower Discussion Group+1
Given that only a small pool will move to the next stages (physical screening, verification, final selection), this distribution suggests the competition is fierce and that scoring high is no guarantee of selection — but low scores almost certainly eliminate most candidates.
5. Shocking Insight #5 — Geographic Disparities: Some States Much More Represented than Others
A state-by-state breakdown shows huge differences in application numbers. For instance: Nairametrics+2Leaving Nigeria+2
- Top applicant states: Kogi, Kaduna, Benue, Katsina, Niger — each with tens of thousands of applicants. Nairametrics+1
- Lowest applicant states: Coastal or southern states such as Bayelsa, Lagos recorded among the lowest numbers. Nairametrics+1
Why this matters:
- High competition in northern and central states may reduce chances for applicants despite good scores.
- In states with fewer applicants, lower competition might improve odds — but success still hinges on passing all stages.
- Applicants from under-represented states should stay vigilant and monitor for announcements — lower numbers don’t equal automatic selection.
6. Shocking Insight #6 — The Recruitment Is Free, But Fraudsters Are Already Targeting Applicants
Even as thousands applied legitimately, many others received fraudulent messages and pay-to-get-shortlisted scams. The board has officially warned Nigerians against such scams. Nairametrics+2Recruitmentstartup+2
Important:
- The official portal is https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng. Nairametrics+1
- CDCFIB emphasized the process is 100% free; any demand for payment or “consultancy clearance fees” means fraud. PM News Nigeria+1
Do not pay any “agents” or “consultants” — your application must go through the official portal only.
7. Shocking Insight #7 — Even Among CBT Passers, Only the Highest Scorers Will Proceed to Final Selection
Passing the CBT doesn’t guarantee a job. According to multiple sources:
- After CBT, selected candidates still face physical screening, document verification, and further nationality/eligibility checks. Npower Discussion Group+2Vanguard News+2
- The shortlist for screening was officially released on 30 October 2025, with candidates instructed to check the portal for their CBT date, venue, and further instructions. Vanguard News+1
- CBT performance appears to be only one of several metrics; cut-offs will likely depend on overall performance, vacancy allocation by agency/state, and physical eligibility. Recruitmentstartup+1
This means many who passed the CBT — and maybe even scored high — may still be left out.
What These Insights Mean for Applicants and Future Candidates
• The Competition Is Fierce — Only the Best Will Make It
With nearly 2 million applicants for limited vacancies and multiple elimination stages, expect a highly competitive process. Even reaching CBT doesn’t guarantee progression.
• Attention to Detail Matters More Than Ever
From application accuracy, document uploads, eligibility to exam conduct — every detail can make or break your chances.
• Exam Preparation Must Go Beyond Basics
Given score distributions, scoring in mid-range (e.g. 61–80) may not be sufficient. To stand out, aim for upper bands (81–100) and prepare thoroughly.
• Beware of Scams — Use Only the Official Portal
Don’t fall for messages promising “shortlist bonuses” or “fast-track selection for fee.” The only legitimate portal is https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng.
• Physical Screening & Verification Still Matter
Even after CBT success, candidates must pass physical screening, medical/fitness tests, and document verification. Be ready.
• Regional Participation and State Quotas Could Affect Chances
Your state’s representation could influence selection — high-applicant states mean tougher competition; lower-applicant states may increase odds but still require merit.
What You Should Do Now (If You Applied)
- Check the Official Portal (https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng) for updates on shortlist, CBT results, physical screening schedule. recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng+2Vanguard News+2
- Monitor Your Email / SMS — board may send individualized notifications. Allmedia24 News+1
- Avoid Fraudsters — don’t respond to unsolicited messages, don’t pay, don’t share personal data. Nairametrics+1
- Prepare Physically & Document-wise — ensure your credentials, fitness and eligibility are intact in case you’re shortlisted for screening.
- Stay Informed — follow credible news outlets and boards for real-time updates.
Useful Internal & External Links for Applicants and Readers
Internal Links
- Latest Job Updates & Recruitment Guides — stay updated on new opportunities
- NYSC 2025 Frequently Asked Questions — general career-navigation resource
- 10 Things Every NYSC Prospective Corps Member Should Know — life-prep guidance
External & Official Links for Reference
- Official CDCFIB Recruitment Portal: https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng
- Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) — https://immigration.gov.ng
- Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) — https://corrections.gov.ng
- Federal Fire Service (FFS) — https://fedfire.gov.ng
- Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) — https://nscdc.gov.ng
- Federal Ministry of Interior (overseeing CDCFIB) — https://interior.gov.ng
- News reports on CDCFIB recruitment statistics — for background & verification Nairametrics+2Nairametrics+2
Conclusion 2025 CDCFIB Recruitment Update
In conclusion, the 2025 CDCFIB recruitment is among the most highly contested ever in Nigeria’s history. The numbers tell a story of massive interest, but also severe elimination at every stage — from application to exam, and soon to physical screening.
For applicants: this isn’t the time to be complacent.
For future hopefuls: learn from these insights — double-check your application, prepare thoroughly, stay alert against scams, and aim beyond mediocrity.
Whether you succeed or not depends not just on your qualifications — but also on your strategy, discipline, and readiness.
Stay tuned, stay sharp, and may the best candidates triumph.