Highest Paid Paramilitary in Nigeria (2025): Full Salary Structure From Top to Bottom

In Nigeria, the paramilitary agencies forms an important arm of national security and internal order. These agencies, while not part of the conventional armed forces, perform highly disciplined, uniformed, and essential operations. From border control and prison management to traffic enforcement and fire rescue, paramilitary officers are indispensable to the nation’s stability and public safety.

One of the biggest attractions to paramilitary service in Nigeria is job stability and, of course, the salary. This has prompted many Nigerians especially young school leavers and graduates to ask: Which paramilitary agency pays the highest salary in Nigeria? If you are among those asking this question, this article is will break it down for you by listing the highest paid paramilitary agencies in Nigeria 2025.

In this 2025 ranking, we have listed all the paramilitary agencies in Nigeria, including the Federal Fire Service and the Nigeria Police Force, arranged from the highest paid to the least paid. This article includes not just estimated salaries by rank, but also lists the benefits and career prospects of each agency, ensuring you get the full picture before choosing your path.

1. Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS)

As of 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service is the highest paid paramilitary agency in Nigeria. The NIS is charged with regulating the movement of people across Nigerian borders, issuing international passports, and managing visa and residency applications for foreigners. The agency has undergone major reforms in recent years, leading to improved welfare for its officers.

An entry-level officer in the Nigeria Immigration Service earns approximately ₦75,000 to ₦85,000 monthly. Mid-level officers, such as Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents, can earn up to ₦125,000 to ₦155,000 monthly, depending on years of service, qualifications, and location of deployment. Senior officers may earn significantly more, especially with allowances included.

Beyond the basic salary, NIS staff enjoy robust benefits such as uniform allowances, medical services, transport stipends, and access to pension plans. Housing and risk allowances are also included, particularly for officers working in sensitive border areas or high-risk zones.

Additionally, career progression in the NIS is relatively steady. Officers can expect regular promotions and training opportunities both within and outside Nigeria. You can read about the Nigeria Immigration Service ranks and salary to see the complete list of their salaries.

2. Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

Next on the list is the NSCDC, another high-paying paramilitary agency under the Federal Ministry of Interior. The Corps is primarily responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure, regulating private security companies, and assisting in disaster response and internal security operations.

An Assistant Cadre officer in the NSCDC earns between ₦72,000 and ₦85,000 monthly. Those in the Inspectorate Cadre typically earn ₦85,000 to ₦115,000, while officers in the Superintendent Cadre can earn up to ₦150,000 or more per month.

NSCDC staff receive several additional benefits, including housing and transport allowances, hazard pay, uniform stipends, and pension contributions. The Corps is also known for providing extensive training programs and promotion opportunities, making it a great option for long-term careers. You can read about the NSCDC ranks and salaries 2025.

3. Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)

The Nigeria Customs Service, under the Ministry of Finance, is one of the most prestigious paramilitary outfits in the country. It is responsible for revenue collection, border enforcement, and anti-smuggling operations. While it used to be the highest paying paramilitary agency, recent salary harmonizations have placed it third in this list.

Entry-level Customs Assistants earn between ₦78,000 and ₦84,000 monthly. Mid-level officers such as Inspectors may earn ₦85,000 to ₦110,000, while Deputy Superintendents and other senior officers can earn up to ₦145,000 or more per month, excluding allowances.

What makes the NCS particularly attractive is the range of unofficial benefits officers may gain while on duty. However, the Service also provides legitimate benefits such as hazard allowances, vehicle and housing grants, and career development courses. Customs officers often get posted to airports, seaports, and border towns, offering a dynamic work environment.

4. Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS)

Formerly known as the Nigerian Prisons Service, the Nigeria Correctional Service manages the country’s prison facilities, rehabilitates inmates, and oversees parole systems. The agency has rebranded in recent years and now offers better pay and improved working conditions.

A new recruit in the Correctional Service earns between ₦76,000 and ₦83,000 monthly. Mid-level officers such as Inspectors receive between ₦95,000 and ₦115,000, while more senior officers earn between ₦110,000 and ₦135,000 monthly.

Officers in this agency are entitled to medical benefits, pension plans, uniform and clothing allowances, as well as risk-related stipends. It’s a stable job with clearly defined promotion timelines and professional courses, especially for those in administrative or medical roles.

5. Federal Fire Service (FFS)

The Federal Fire Service is Nigeria’s lead firefighting and rescue organization. Its responsibilities include fire prevention, fire control, emergency response, and fire safety awareness campaigns. Though often overlooked, the agency plays an important role, especially in urban centers with high population densities.

New officers in the Federal Fire Service earn between ₦75,000 and ₦85,000 monthly. Mid-ranking officers such as Inspectors of Fire may receive ₦80,000 to ₦100,000, while higher-level officers such as Superintendent Fire Officers earn between ₦1205,000 and ₦180,000 monthly.

Benefits in the Fire Service include uniforms, risk allowances, rescue bonuses, and health insurance. With growing awareness of the agency’s importance, the government has begun improving infrastructure, training, and overall compensation.

6. National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

The NDLEA is is responsible for combating drug trafficking and abuse. Its operations are highly tactical and often dangerous, which makes the salary and risk allowances attractive to many young professionals.

Narcotic Assistants in the NDLEA earn between ₦74,000 and ₦80,000 monthly. Narcotic Agents are paid ₦85,000 to ₦90,000, while superintendents can earn up to ₦135,000 monthly.

The agency offers specialized training and hazard pay for officers working in risky zones. It also provides medical coverage, housing allowances, and operational bonuses for successful missions. While the work is tough, it can be highly rewarding for individuals committed to making a difference.

7. Nigeria Police Force (NPF)

The Nigeria Police Force is arguably the most visible and widespread paramilitary agency in the country. With officers stationed in every local government, the NPF handles law enforcement, crime prevention, public safety, and civil protection.

Despite the important role it plays, the Nigeria Police Force has historically been underpaid compared to other paramilitary agencies. However, gradual reforms have improved the salary structure.

Police constables earn between ₦72,000 and ₦80,000 monthly. Sergeants earn about ₦80,000 to ₦100,000, while Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents earn between ₦115,000 and ₦140,000 monthly.

Benefits include pension, housing support, risk allowance, and medical care. However, these benefits vary depending on state and federal budget allocations. With recent recruitment efforts and training upgrades, the NPF is on a path to becoming a more respected and better-paid force.

8. Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)

The FRSC is responsible for ensuring safety on Nigeria’s roads. Their duties include enforcing traffic laws, conducting accident rescues, and ensuring proper vehicle documentation. While their job is crucial, their salary ranks lower among paramilitary agencies.

Entry-level Road Marshal Assistants earn ₦72,000 to ₦80,000 monthly. Inspectors earn ₦80,000 to ₦95,000, and Officer Cadres are paid around ₦100,000 to ₦128,000 monthly.

The FRSC provides housing allowances, hazard pay, uniforms, and access to government health services. Despite its lower ranking in terms of salary, the Corps offers extensive training, educational incentives, and public service medals that boost morale and professional recognition.

9. Nigerian Peace Corps (Not Yet Operational)

The Nigerian Peace Corps remains an aspiring paramilitary agency with its bill yet to be fully assented to by the President. If eventually established, it will focus on youth development, peace-building, and community service.

Though not yet operational, proposed salary structures suggest that entry-level officers might earn between ₦70,000 and ₦85,000 monthly. The proposed framework also includes non-monetary benefits like training, uniforms, and community outreach incentives.

Choosing the Right Paramilitary Career

Choosing a career in any of Nigeria’s paramilitary agencies is a decision that should be based on more than just salary. While the Nigeria Immigration Service currently tops the chart in terms of official pay, other factors like risk exposure, job satisfaction, promotion speed, and location of posting are just as important.

Whether you are a secondary school graduate (SSCE holder), a diploma holder, or a university graduate, there is a place for you in Nigeria’s paramilitary sector. Entry-level positions are open to many Nigerians every year, and with dedication, it’s possible to rise through the ranks.

Each agency on this list has its strengths and challenges, but what they all share is the opportunity to serve the nation, enjoy job stability, and access government welfare programs.

If you are aiming for the best-paid paramilitary job in Nigeria, then the Nigeria Immigration Service should be your top priority. However, don’t overlook others like the NSCDC, Customs, and even the Federal Fire Service, especially if your passion lies in what they do.