- Nigerian Army begins recruitment for the Regular Recruit Intake (RRI) and Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be single Nigerian citizens by birth, medically and physically fit, with no criminal record.
- Registration period: September 29 – November 14, 2025.
A Call to Serve: Strengthening Nigeria’s Defence Framework
For decades, the Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of safeguarding national unity, defending territorial integrity, and supporting civil authorities during emergencies. From counterinsurgency operations in the North East to peacekeeping missions abroad, the Army continues to play a vital role in sustaining peace and national stability.
With this new recruitment exercise, the Nigerian Army aims to attract disciplined, skilled, and service-oriented individuals who are eager to contribute to Nigeria’s security and development goals.
In the official statement, the Military Secretary highlighted that the recruitment process reflects the Army’s commitment to professionalism and inclusivity. He stressed that the 2025/2026 exercise would ensure that only qualified, credible, and medically fit candidates are enlisted to maintain the Army’s high standards.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide to Nigerian Army Recruitment 2025
Applications for both the Regular Recruit Intake (RRI) and Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) are entirely free of charge. Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal:
https://recruitment.army.mil.ng
Step-by-step process:
- Visit the official recruitment portal.
- Create an account using a valid email address, username, and password.
- Fill in accurate personal and educational details on the application form.
- Upload required documents and recent passport photographs.
- Submit the completed form online.
- Print out the Application Form and Guarantor Form, both of which must be duly signed.
Applicants are required to bring the printed documents during the screening exercise at designated centres across all states of the federation.
Timeline:
- Online Registration: September 29 to November 14, 2025
- State Screening Exercise: December 4 to December 17, 2025
Eligibility Requirements and Qualifications
The Nigerian Army has emphasized that all applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure fairness and integrity in the selection process.
1. Citizenship and Identity
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and must possess valid identification, including a National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
2. Marital and Health Status
Only single candidates are eligible to apply. All candidates must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit in accordance with the Nigerian Army’s medical standards. Applicants must be free from any criminal conviction.
3. Educational Qualification
Applicants must have a minimum of four passes, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings in any of the following examinations:
- WASSCE
- GCE
- NECO
- NABTEB
- NBAIS
4. Age and Height Requirements
- Non-Tradesmen/Women: 18–22 years old.
- Tradesmen/Women: Not older than 26 years as of December 30, 2025.
- Height:
- Male applicants: Not less than 1.68 metres.
- Female applicants: Not less than 1.65 metres.
5. Trade Certifications
Applicants seeking to enlist as tradesmen or women must possess a Trade Test Certificate or a City and Guilds Certificate, depending on their area of specialization.
Regular Recruit Intake (RRI): The Path of the Soldier
The Regular Recruit Intake is the entry route for individuals seeking to become soldiers in the Nigerian Army. It is a vital component of the military structure that produces disciplined and battle-ready personnel to support the Army’s operations nationwide.
Successful candidates under this category will undergo basic military training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, where they will learn fundamental combat tactics, discipline, and leadership.
The training curriculum covers:
- Weapon handling and marksmanship
- Field craft and survival techniques
- Physical fitness and endurance
- Civic education and leadership ethics
At the end of training, recruits will be deployed across various Army formations and units, contributing to internal security operations, peacekeeping missions, and border defence.
Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC): Officers for a Defined Period
The Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) is designed for graduates who wish to serve as commissioned officers for a limited period, typically 15 years (10 years active service and 5 years renewable based on performance).
The SSC is open to professionals and graduates who aspire to gain military experience while contributing to national service. Officers under this scheme can serve in various technical, administrative, and combat roles.
Unlike the Regular Commission, which offers a full military career, the SSC allows officers to serve for a defined time, after which they may transition into civilian life or apply for a Regular Commission based on merit.
Conditions of Service and Career Benefits
The Nigerian Army has outlined several benefits and incentives designed to motivate new recruits and ensure their welfare throughout their service years.
1. Career Growth
Every soldier and officer has a clear career path defined by discipline, performance, and years of service. Promotions are based on merit, training achievements, and leadership qualities.
2. Competitive Pay and Allowances
The Army provides enhanced pay packages and allowances that reflect the sacrifices and responsibilities of service members. Officers and soldiers are entitled to hazard allowances, uniform grants, and operational bonuses.
3. Education and Training
Personnel enjoy opportunities for further education, both locally and internationally. The Nigerian Army collaborates with institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and other foreign military colleges for continuous capacity building.
4. Health, Welfare, and Insurance
The Army provides comprehensive medical and welfare services, including health insurance, family support, and post-service benefits. There are also structured housing and pension schemes to ensure long-term security.
5. Pension, Gratuity, and Housing
Retiring officers and soldiers benefit from robust pension and gratuity packages. The Army also facilitates access to affordable home ownership through the Nigerian Army Welfare Housing Scheme.
Transparency, Integrity, and Zero Tolerance for Corruption
One of the hallmarks of the Nigerian Army’s 2025/2026 recruitment is its emphasis on transparency and fairness.
The Army clarified that:
- There will be no Computer-Based Test (CBT).
- There will be no zonal screening or special centres.
- All screening activities will take place in candidates’ respective states of origin.
Applicants are therefore urged to avoid paying bribes or offering gifts to anyone claiming to guarantee their selection. The Army reaffirmed that the recruitment process is completely free of charge and based purely on merit.
“All candidates must present original educational certificates, NIN slips, and BVN printouts during screening. Any applicant who falsifies documents will be disqualified and withdrawn from training.”
This policy reflects the Army’s ongoing efforts to restore public confidence and eliminate corruption from recruitment exercises a challenge that has plagued previous editions.
Recruitment as a Tool for National Unity and Youth Empowerment
Beyond its military objectives, the recruitment process serves a broader national purpos it unites Nigerians from diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds under one shared goal: service to the nation.
Each recruitment batch represents a microcosm of Nigeria’s diversity, bringing together men and women from every state to train, live, and serve together. This shared experience fosters understanding, discipline, and patriotism among young Nigerians.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Army provides employment to thousands of youths annually, helping to reduce unemployment while promoting discipline and civic responsibility.
The Army’s Broader Vision: Building Capacity for the Future
The Nigerian Army’s 2025/2026 recruitment exercise aligns with its broader modernization and professionalization agenda. Over the past few years, the Army has invested heavily in technology, intelligence, and infrastructure to improve its operational readiness.
From establishing modern training facilities to procuring advanced military equipment, the Nigerian Army continues to evolve in response to emerging security challenges such as terrorism, cyber threats, and transnational crime.
This recruitment drive is, therefore, not just about filling vacancies it is about building the next generation of defenders and leaders capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty in an ever-changing world.
Official Contacts and Support Channels
To ensure accessibility and transparency, the Army has provided dedicated support lines for inquiries and assistance throughout the recruitment period.
Helplines:
- 07036499094
- 09041116433
Availability: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily
Applicants are advised to rely solely on official communication channels and avoid any unofficial intermediaries or third-party websites.
Conclusion
As the 2025/2026 recruitment begins, the Nigerian Army reaffirms its core values of loyalty, discipline, courage, and service. This recruitment season offers young Nigerians a chance not just to build a career but to become part of something bigger the defence of their nation.
With renewed transparency, improved welfare, and a strong sense of purpose, the Nigerian Army continues to evolve into a modern, inclusive, and people-centred institution.
For many aspiring recruits, this is not just an opportunity; it is a call to duty, a journey of honour, and a commitment to national progress.
