The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned shortlisted applicants for recruitment into four paramilitary agencies against paying for mandatory Drug Integrity Tests, insisting that the screening exercise is free because the Ministry of Interior has already paid for it.

The warning follows reports that some applicants had paid ₦7,500 through the NDLEA drug testing portal, despite assurances from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board that candidates would not be charged for the exercise.

Also read:Qatar Steps Up Iran Talks as US Peace Efforts Intensify

The affected agencies are the Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Fire Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, 2026, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said arrangements had been concluded for the mandatory tests, which form part of the recruitment process.

The agency stressed that applicants and personnel presenting for the screening were not required to make any payment.

“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 statement said.

The clarification is intended to prevent shortlisted candidates from paying for a service that the government says has already been funded.

Applicants were therefore advised to disregard any demand for payment for the mandatory test and follow official instructions issued by the relevant recruitment authorities.

The Drug Integrity Test forms part of the screening process for new personnel joining the four services.

Also read:Qatar Steps Up Iran Talks as US Peace Efforts Intensify

The NDLEA’s warning reinforces the need for candidates to verify recruitment-related payment requests through official channels before making transfers or submitting money through online portals.