NDLEA warns paramilitary recruits against paying for drug tests

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned shortlisted candidates for recruitment into four paramilitary agencies against paying for the mandatory Drug Integrity Test, revealing that the exercise is entirely free for all applicants.

The organisations include the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

This warning follows reports that some candidates had erroneously paid N7,500 through the NDLEA portal despite prior assurances by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

In a statement issued on Friday, the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed that all logistical arrangements have been concluded for the screening process.

“The agency wishes to emphasise that no payment is required from any candidate or personnel presenting for the Drug Integrity Test, as the Ministry of Interior has already made bulk payment to cover the testing of its new intakes”.

The NDLEA urged candidates and participating personnel to shun any demands for payment by officials, testing centres, or through any other unapproved channels. Applicants were advised to strictly access the NDLEA testing platform through designated links provided on their respective institutional recruitment portals.

According to the agency, this arrangement will enable candidates to complete their documentation and proceed with the testing process without incurring unapproved charges.

The CDCFIB recently announced that its portal opened on October 28 for the first batch of 30,000 shortlisted paramilitary personnel to check their status. The Board Secretary, Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (retd.), disclosed that the portal will remain active until November 13.

He urged candidates who successfully scaled the oral interview to log in, confirm their status, and obtain the requisite code for the screening. 

Candidates are expected to undergo the drug tests at designated NDLEA offices in their respective states before proceeding to Abuja to collect their appointment letters.