The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has called on the public to report anyone demanding or paying money in connection with the ongoing security services recruitment process.
He made the call in Parliament today when addressing concerns about alleged payments and the use of “protocol” to secure recruitment into the security services.
According to the minister, government was taking the allegations seriously and had already arrested some individuals suspected of engaging in fraudulent recruitment activities.
He disclosed that since the recruitment process began, five people had been arrested, including two prison officers, who were currently under investigation.
Mr. Mubarak explained that the suspects were being taken through due process as authorities worked to deal with any wrongdoing in the system.
“If you say someone paid money to be recruited, we need to know that person. Since this process started, five officers have been arrested. If you hear anything or see anything, let us know,” he stated.
He stressed that the recruitment process was designed to be transparent and merit based, adding that no one had the power to influence the outcome for any applicant.
The minister noted that recruitment assessments were conducted individually, making it possible for authorities to verify claims of irregularities.
He explained that if an applicant alleged unfair treatment, the authorities could retrieve the person’s examination records to verify the claim.
Mr. Mubarak added that security agencies were closely monitoring the process to prevent anyone from exploiting young applicants seeking employment.
He disclosed that the ministry was working with the National Signals Bureau, National Investigations Bureau, the Police Intelligence Department, and the Criminal Investigations Department to track and investigate suspicious activities.
According to him, the collaboration was aimed at ensuring that no individual or group took advantage of the youth during the recruitment exercise.
Mr. Mubarak acknowledged that while the system involved human institutions, the government was determined to act decisively against anyone found engaging in corrupt practices.
He therefore urged the public, especially applicants, to provide credible information about any suspected bribery or misconduct so that authorities could take immediate action.