By Esther Ososanya
In a sweeping reform effort, the federal government has promoted 95 senior officers and disciplined 224 others across four of the country’s top paramilitary agencies.
The affected institutions are the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Interior Minister Confirms Promotions
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement through a statement issued by Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin (rtd), Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board.
The promotions cover ranks from Controllers, Comptrollers, and Commandants up to Deputy Comptrollers-General and Deputy Commandants-General.
Promotions by agency include:
- NCoS: 4 Assistant Controllers-General moved up to Deputy Controllers-General, while 31 Comptrollers were promoted to ACG.
- NIS: 6 ACGs became DCGs, and 20 Comptrollers advanced to ACG.
- NSCDC: 3 ACGs rose to DCGs, and 22 Commandants became ACGs.
- FFS: Promotions were also approved, though specific figures weren’t disclosed.
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Government Cracks Down on Indiscipline
Meanwhile, the Board reviewed 224 disciplinary cases involving officers accused of misconduct across the four services.
Each officer appeared before a panel to defend themselves. Following investigation, the government issued various punishments, including dismissals, compulsory retirements, loss of seniority, and warning letters. Some personnel were exonerated.
Breakdown of the disciplinary actions:
- NCoS – 143 cases
- NSCDC – 46 cases
- NIS – 31 cases
- FFS – 4 cases
The government emphasised that this reflects its commitment to enforcing discipline and integrity in public service.
Recruitment Begins July 14
The Board also announced the launch of its online recruitment portal on Monday, July 14, 2025, for applicants seeking to join any of the four services.
Officials urged Nigerians to avoid scammers, stressing that the process would be transparent, technology-driven, and based solely on merit.
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2025 Promotion Cycle Set for August–November
In addition, the Board has approved a timeline for the 2025 Promotion Exercise, which will start in August and end by November.
This coordinated approach to promotion and discipline is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability, professionalism, and efficiency in Nigeria’s paramilitary system.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.