The Adamawa State Civil Service Commission has issued a stern warning to the public, particularly applicants in the recent recruitment exercise, against paying money to individuals claiming to secure job placements within the civil service.

In a statement released by Abubakar Umar Maiha, Permanent Secretary of the Adamawa State Civil Service Commission, applicants were cautioned to avoid engaging with fraudulent individuals who promise job slots in exchange for payment.

"Job racketeering is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated under any circumstances," the statement emphasized, adding that anyone caught in such fraudulent activities, whether offering or accepting bribes, would face severe legal consequences.

The Commission reaffirmed that the ongoing recruitment process is being conducted in a free, fair, and strictly merit-based manner, in accordance with the directive of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

"The Commission is committed to upholding transparency and equal opportunity for all eligible applicants," the statement continued, urging applicants to remain patient and vigilant against scammers who might try to exploit their eagerness for employment.

The Commission also assured that the next phase of the recruitment exercise would be properly announced through official channels in due course, advising applicants to rely only on information from authorized sources.

This warning comes amid growing concerns about job scams in Nigeria, where desperate job seekers often fall victim to fraudsters who promise employment opportunities in exchange for money.

The Adamawa State government has been working to improve transparency in its civil service operations, with Governor Fintiri previously emphasizing his administration's commitment to merit-based recruitment as part of broader civil service reforms in the state.