FG Promotes Over 75,000 Paramilitary Officers as Civil Defence, Fire, Immigration, Correctional Board Completes 2025 Promotion Exercise

In a major boost to Nigeria’s internal security architecture, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has concluded its 2025 nationwide promotion exercise, elevating more than 75,000 officers across the country’s paramilitary services. This marks the third consecutive year that the Ministry of Interior has successfully overseen a large-scale, transparent, and merit-driven promotion cycle for personnel in its agencies.

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development on his official X handle, praising the commitment of the CDCFIB and emphasizing the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing the motivation, professionalism, and welfare of officers who form the backbone of Nigeria’s internal security system.

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According to the Minister, the promotion list cuts across the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), the Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). The exercise reportedly followed rigorous assessments, performance reviews, statutory examinations, and years of service requirements as mandated by law.

A Milestone in Interior Affairs Reform

Dr. Tunji-Ojo noted that the achievement reflects the Ministry’s ongoing reform agenda which aims to modernize Nigeria’s paramilitary institutions, eliminate stagnation, and restore fairness to the promotion system. He described the successful completion of the exercise as a continuation of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to reward hard work and reposition the internal security sector for efficiency.

“For the third year running, we have ensured that the promotion exercise for our paramilitary officers is timely, transparent, and merit-based. Over 75,000 promotions have been concluded. This is a promise kept and a commitment sustained,” the Minister wrote.

He added that improved personnel morale is a catalyst for operational efficiency, noting that officers who feel valued are more likely to demonstrate loyalty, discipline, and dedication to national duty.

Impact Across the Paramilitary Agencies

The promotion exercise is expected to strengthen the performance of the four major services under the CDCFIB umbrella:

1. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

The NSCDC, responsible for critical infrastructure protection, counter-vandalism, disaster response, and community security, reportedly had one of the largest numbers of promoted officers. The new ranks are anticipated to improve chain-of-command clarity, field operations, and coordination with other security agencies at both federal and state levels.

2. Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS)

The promotion of correctional officers comes at a crucial time, as the service continues to grapple with overcrowded facilities, prison reforms, inmate rehabilitation, and the need for enhanced security within custodial centres. Elevated officers will take up new responsibilities aimed at improving security, administration, and corrections-based rehabilitation programs.

3. Federal Fire Service (FFS)

With increasing incidents of fire outbreaks across markets, public buildings, and residential areas, the promotion of FFS personnel provides renewed motivation for frontline responders who often work under high-risk conditions. The newly promoted officers will help strengthen fire safety education, rapid response teams, and emergency preparedness strategies.

4. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

Immigration officers across border posts, airports, and regional commands were also elevated. This comes as Nigeria continues to reinforce its border security, passport issuance system, migrant regulation, and efforts to curb transnational crimes such as human trafficking and smuggling. Promotions in this service will enhance supervision, service delivery, and operational discipline.

Officers Celebrate the Exercise

Across social media, barracks, and state commands, officers expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Interior and the CDCFIB for restoring confidence in the career progression system. Many described the promotions as “long-awaited”, especially for officers who had experienced stagnation under previous administrations.

Senior officers praised the fairness and speed of the process, while junior officers celebrated what they called a “fresh wave of hope” within the services. Several state commands are reportedly preparing for official decoration ceremonies in the coming weeks.

A Boost to National Security

Security analysts say the mass promotion will energize the morale of the paramilitary workforce and strengthen coordination among frontline agencies responsible for securing borders, managing inmates, responding to emergencies, and protecting national assets. A well-motivated paramilitary structure, they argue, is critical to Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, banditry, illegal migration, and internal threats.

Commitment to Continued Reform

The Interior Minister emphasized that the Federal Government would continue to prioritize welfare, training, and modern equipment for the paramilitary services. He assured Nigerians that more reforms are underway to modernize facilities, digitize operations, and introduce international best practices across all agencies.

The successful conclusion of the 2025 promotion exercise, he noted, demonstrates that the Ministry is committed to building a stronger, more professional internal security network capable of meeting modern challenges.