Customs Recruitment Scam: NCS Debunks Fake CBT Shortlist, Warns Job Seekers

By Amina Ojelabi

In a firm rebuttal to a viral misinformation campaign, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has discredited a fake press release currently making the rounds on social media and messaging platforms.

The forged announcement falsely claims that a shortlist for a Computer-Based Test (CBT), linked to the agency’s ongoing recruitment exercise, has been released with the exam reportedly scheduled for July 2025.

The NCS, in an official statement released by the National Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Maiwada described the document as “fraudulent and misleading,” stressing that no such shortlist has been issued by the Service.

It further clarified that the agency has not made any announcement about a CBT phase in July or at any other time in the immediate future.

According to the Nigeria Customs Service, a closer examination of the fake release reveals several red flags, including formatting inconsistencies and an unauthorized e-signature that deviates from the Service’s official communication style.

The referenced timeline, officials say, bears no resemblance to any authentic recruitment structure currently in place.

Acknowledging the keen public interest in its recruitment activities, the NCS urged Nigerians to remain cautious and avoid sharing or acting upon unverified information.

“All official updates, including recruitment notices, will be communicated exclusively through our verified website, social media handles, and reputable national newspapers,” the Service emphasized.

In a move to stem the spread of false information, Customs authorities disclosed that efforts are underway to trace the source of the fraudulent document, with assurances that culprits will be held accountable.

The NCS expressed appreciation to vigilant Nigerians who raised the alarm and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and integrity in all operational and recruitment processes.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by digital misinformation and the need for the public to verify before they amplify.