Fire Service Warns Job Seekers About Fraudsters
The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has warned job seekers across the country to beware of fake recruitment offers following reports of individuals securing fake placements with forged appointment letters.
In a statement released over the weekend, Controller-General of the FFS, Abdulganiyu Jaji, stressed that the Service has never authorised any third party or external agent to conduct its recruitment process.
He warned that anyone found using forged documents to gain employment will be immediately arrested and prosecuted.
“The Federal Fire Service, through its vigilant oversight, uncovered five names of job seekers who had managed to insert themselves into the IPPIS list despite lacking any genuine appointment or invitation letters,” Jaji revealed.
He challenged any individual with a valid appointment letter who feels unfairly denied to come forward and present it.
Jaji detailed how the Service had conducted a thorough and transparent recruitment process, painstakingly cross-checking the original master list against the final documentation and IPPIS entries to close every possible loophole.
He recounted how, upon discovering fake letters, the FFS paused documentation, exposing fraudsters who were printing counterfeit appointment letters.
Despite repeated warnings, Jaji expressed concern that some candidates continued to fall victim to fraudsters who create fake websites and demand payment for bogus recruitment forms.
He disclosed that several fake invitation letters, SMS messages, and emails were intercepted, and that even after a new Secretary assumed office, some individuals still presented forged letters bearing the name of the former Secretary.
“It is truly disheartening that job seekers who willingly engage with individuals who send suspicious links, make unsolicited calls, or request payments via dubious account details, later turn around to petition the Service when things go wrong,” he lamented.
The FFS boss urged Nigerian youths to exercise patience, and assured that the government is actively working to create meaningful employment opportunities.
He also reiterated the need for job seekers to rely solely on official government communication channels for recruitment updates.
“The actions of these fraudsters not only tarnish the reputation of the Service but also impose significant financial and emotional burdens on their victims,” Jaji added.
The Federal Fire Service reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining integrity and transparency in all its operations, and promised that every genuine applicant would be fairly considered in accordance with official procedures.
Fire Service Warns Job Seekers About Fraudsters is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
