FG raises alarm over diplomatic recruitment scam

The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians against a fraudulent recruitment message circulating online, warning that it is a deliberate scam aimed at defrauding the public.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, authorities dismissed the message as entirely false. The misleading communication claims to offer job opportunities within Nigeria’s Diplomatic Service, specifically under the consular units of embassies abroad.

According to the ministry, the message goes further by informing recipients that they have been shortlisted for diplomatic roles and instructs them to pay certain fees for the processing of a so-called “credence note”. Officials described this as a tactic used by fraudsters to extract money from unsuspecting individuals.

The ministry made it clear that no such recruitment exercise is ongoing in any Nigerian mission overseas. It stressed that employment into the foreign service does not take place through emails, WhatsApp messages or unsolicited contact.

Instead, all legitimate recruitment into the Nigerian Foreign Service is handled strictly by the Federal Civil Service Commission through official procedures.

The statement firmly emphasised that no payments are required at any stage of recruitment or diplomatic posting. It also warned that no individual or organisation has been authorised to collect fees on behalf of the ministry.

Authorities further noted that the fraudsters attempted to make the message appear credible by referencing security clearance processes and falsely attributing the information to the ministry’s spokesperson.

Describing this as a calculated attempt to mislead, the ministry urged Nigerians to ignore such messages and remain vigilant. Members of the public were advised to report anyone requesting money for diplomatic appointments or recruitment to relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services.

The ministry reiterated its commitment to transparency and the protection of citizens, urging Nigerians to rely only on official channels for enquiries and verification.