Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army recruits qualified Nigerian citizens into its ranks to serve in defence and security roles across the country.

Recruitment exercises are announced publicly, and applications must be submitted through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.

The Army conducts multiple recruitment streams including Regular Recruit Intake (RRI), Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC), and Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) for officers and specialists.

Who Can Join the Nigerian Army

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth to be eligible for Army recruitment.

Candidates must possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and official identification such as a national ID card.

Applicants must be single (not married) for most regular recruit intakes unless otherwise specified for professional commissions.

All applicants are required to be medically, mentally, and physically fit to meet Nigerian Army standards.

No applicant may have a criminal conviction or pending court case at the time of recruitment.

Age, Height, and Education Requirements

For Regular Recruit Intake (RRI):

  1. Non‑tradesmen and women must be between 18 and 22 years old.
  2. Tradesmen and women must be between 18 and 26 years old.
  3. Minimum height for males is 1.68 meters and for females is 1.65 meters.
  4. Applicants must have at least four (4) credits in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB, or equivalent including English Language and Mathematics.

For Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC):

  1. Candidates must meet the specific age ranges set for officer courses, for example DSSC applicants in 2026 must be 20 to 32 years for most roles and up to 40 years for medical consultants.
  2. Academic qualifications for DSSC and SSC usually require a university degree (e.g., Second Class Lower or higher) or HND Upper Credit and professional qualifications where applicable.
  3. Professional body registration may be necessary for specialist streams (for example medical or engineering roles).

How to Apply for Nigerian Army Recruitment

  1. Visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.
  2. On the homepage, select the applicable recruitment category (Regular Recruit, SSC, DSSC).
  3. Click “Apply Now” for your chosen stream.
  4. Create an account using a valid email address or log in if you already have one.
  5. Complete the online application form with accurate personal details.
  6. Upload all required documents including identification, educational certificates, birth certificate, and other credentials as specified for the intake.
  7. Submit the application and print the confirmation slip for your records.
    Applications are free of charge, and the Army warns against intermediaries or agents charging fees.

Official Recruitment Dates and Details

For the 2025/2026 Regular Recruit Intake (90RRI), the application period ran from 29 September to 14 November 2025.

The Nigerian Army opened DSSC Course 29/2026 applications from 7 January 2026 to 4 February 2026.

Recruitment announcements, including opening and closing dates, are published on the official portal before each intake.

Shortlisted candidates for screening or training are usually communicated through the portal or via nominated help lines.

Documents Required for Nigerian Army Recruitment

Applicants should prepare the following:

  1. Valid National ID/NIN slip and BVN where applicable.
  2. Birth certificate or certified age declaration.
  3. State of origin certificate.
  4. Educational certificates (SSCE, NECO, NABTEB, Degree, HND).
  5. Trade Test or City & Guild Certificate for tradesmen/women roles.
  6. Recent passport‑sized photographs.
  7. Professional body membership evidence where needed for DSSC/SSC.

Training and Career Progression after Recruitment

Successful recruits must attend military training at designated Army training institutions.

Regular recruits undergo basic military training and are deployed after successful completion.

Officers recruited through SSC or DSSC are commissioned with officer ranks after completing officer cadet training.

Career progression in the Nigerian Army depends on performance, further training, and professional development.

Contact Information for Nigerian Army Recruitment Support

  • Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal
  • Headquarters, Nigerian Army: Army Headquarters, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.
  • Recruitment Help Lines (when active): 08179269294 and 08109959294 (available during recruitment periods).

General enquiries can also be directed through the contact details provided on the official portal.

Always verify any recruitment details through official sources before taking action.