The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned its personnel against a fraudulent WhatsApp message seeking to obtain officers’ personal and service details under the guise of the 2026 senior promotion exercise.
The Corps, in an official disclaimer issued on Monday, disowned the message directing officers to submit their full names, service numbers and current ranks to a designated WhatsApp number, 08031306693.
It described the purported directive as fake, stressing that neither the NSCDC management nor its National Public Relations Office authorised or issued such an instruction.
The disclaimer, signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, urged officers and men to disregard the message and avoid sharing sensitive personal or service information with unverified individuals or platforms.
The Corps warned that complying with the fraudulent request could expose personnel to identity theft, impersonation and other forms of financial and administrative fraud.
It clarified that all official matters relating to promotions fall under the jurisdiction of the Secretary to the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
According to the NSCDC, legitimate information concerning promotion exercises is communicated through established administrative channels of the Ministry of Interior and the Corps, not through unsolicited WhatsApp messages or personal telephone numbers.
Personnel were consequently advised to verify all promotion-related information through their respective command structures and authorised administrative channels before taking any action.
The Corps also called on officers and men to remain vigilant and ensure that the warning is widely circulated to prevent unsuspecting personnel from falling victim to the fraudulent scheme.
The development underscores the growing risks of impersonation and cyber-enabled fraud targeting institutional administrative processes, particularly those involving staff welfare, career progression and promotion opportunities.
The NSCDC reiterated the importance of relying exclusively on officially authorised communication channels for all service-related information.
