The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has cautioned members of the public against circulating unverified information regarding its ongoing recruitment exercise, warning that individuals responsible for spreading false information risk prosecution.
In a public notice issued on Sunday, the Board said its attention had been drawn to misleading reports and false claims circulating across various online platforms, particularly social media, concerning the recruitment process.
The Board expressed concern that the spread of inaccurate information could mislead prospective applicants, create confusion, and undermine the integrity of the recruitment exercise.
According to the statement, applicants and stakeholders are advised to verify information from official sources and disregard unauthorized messages relating to the exercise.
“The public is advised to exercise caution and verify all information online. Misleading messages concerning the ongoing recruitment exercise are disruptive and capable of undermining the aspirations of genuine applicants,” the Board stated.
CDCFIB emphasized that it is taking steps to identify individuals and groups allegedly responsible for creating and disseminating false information about the recruitment exercise.
The Board noted that the deliberate spread of misleading information constitutes a criminal offence and warned that offenders would face legal consequences in accordance with existing laws.
It further described the notice as a final warning to social media users and account holders involved in propagating falsehoods about the recruitment process.
The Board disclosed that it is working closely with relevant security and law enforcement agencies to monitor online activities and investigate reported cases of misinformation linked to the recruitment exercise.
Officials said those found culpable would be prosecuted in line with the law.
To ensure transparency and prevent applicants from falling victim to misinformation or potential fraud, the Board urged members of the public to rely exclusively on its official recruitment portal and verified communication channels for updates and announcements.
Applicants were specifically directed to obtain information only through the official recruitment platform and authorised CDCFIB communication outlets.
The Board also appealed to the public to report suspicious messages, fake recruitment updates, and other misleading content while refraining from sharing information that has not been verified.
The CDCFIB oversees recruitment into several federal paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service, Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Immigration Service.
Recruitment exercises conducted by the Board typically attract significant public interest, making them vulnerable to misinformation, fraudulent schemes, and online scams targeting job seekers.
The Board reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent, credible, and merit-based recruitment process and urged prospective applicants to remain vigilant throughout the exercise.
