By Ibrahim Danjuma
ABUJA — Fresh data from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has revealed that no fewer than 360,923 applicants were disqualified in the ongoing paramilitary recruitment exercise, while 432,935 others failed to complete their applications.
The statistics, released via the board’s official recruitment portal at the close of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) phase, highlight significant attrition in the process. Out of an estimated 1.9 million applicants, nearly 800,000 either did not meet the requirements or abandoned their applications midway.
According to the figures, only 1,120,491 candidates—representing 58.5 percent—successfully completed their applications. In contrast, 22.6 percent were incomplete, while 18.9 percent were disqualified.
A breakdown by gender shows a wide participation gap, with male applicants accounting for 737,270 completed entries, representing 69.5 percent. Female applicants totaled 323,052, or 30.5 percent, underscoring the continued underrepresentation of women in paramilitary recruitment across Nigeria.
State-by-state data further reveals disparities in participation. Kogi State recorded the highest number of completed applications at 75,494, followed by Oyo with 69,071 and Nasarawa with 69,041. Other states with strong participation include Jigawa (54,414), Yobe (52,487), and Ogun (50,940).
In contrast, Lagos State, despite its large population and economic prominence, posted one of the lowest figures nationwide, with completed applications estimated between 5,000 and 6,000.
The board confirmed that the CBT phase of the recruitment exercise has now officially closed.
© 2026, Standard Focus. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from STANDARD FOCUS.