Nigerian Army 91RRI Recruitment (2026/2027)

The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of online registration for the 91st Regular Recruit Intake (91RRI) for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women. As the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigerian Army handles land warfare operations, border security, and internal security operations, governed by the Nigerian Army Council. This recruitment exercise presents an excellent opportunity for young, qualified Nigerians to serve their nation in uniform and build stable, fulfilling military careers.

About the Nigerian Army 91st Regular Recruit Intake

The Regular Recruit Intake is the Nigerian Army’s recruitment exercise for candidates wishing to join the force at the soldier/enlisted level using secondary school qualifications. The 91RRI follows the successful 90RRI conducted in 2025.

91RRI vs Other Army Recruitment Programs

91RRI (Regular Recruit Intake): For SSCE holders – entry at soldier/enlisted level

DSSC (Direct Short Service Commission): For university degree holders – entry as commissioned officers

SSC (Short Service Commission): For graduates and professionals – entry as commissioned officers

Two Categories of 91RRI Recruitment

Non-Tradesmen and Women: Candidates possessing SSCE qualifications who do not hold trade certificates. Age: 18-22 years by 30 June 2026.

Tradesmen and Women: Candidates who, in addition to SSCE qualifications, hold Trade Test or City and Guild Certificate in relevant trades. Age: up to 26 years by 30 June 2026.

Comprehensive Eligibility Requirements

All applicants MUST meet the following criteria. Failure to meet ANY requirement will result in disqualification:

Personal and Legal Requirements

Citizenship: Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth (not by registration or naturalisation)

Marital Status: MUST BE SINGLE. Married candidates are NOT eligible.

Character: Must have good moral character with no criminal conviction by any court

Cult Membership: Must NOT belong to any cult, secret society, or fraternity

Medical Fitness: Must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit under Nigerian Army standards

Criminal Record: No criminal conviction from any court of competent jurisdiction

Educational Qualifications

Minimum Requirement: At least FOUR (4) passes (credits), including English Language, in not more than TWO (2) sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB/NBAIS.

For Tradesmen/Women ONLY: In addition to the above, must possess Trade Test OR City and Guild Certificate in relevant trade.

Important: Original and valid certificates REQUIRED. Pending results or incomplete certificates NOT accepted.

Age Requirements

Non-Tradesmen and Women: Between 18 and 22 years old by 30 June 2026

Tradesmen and Women: Between 18 and 26 years old by 30 June 2026

Note: Age verified during screening. Birth certificate or age declaration required.

Physical Requirements

Height – Male: Minimum 1.68 meters
Height – Female: Minimum 1.65 meters
Weight: In proportion to height
Vision: Clear vision (will be tested)
Hearing: Good hearing (will be tested)
Health: No chronic ailments that could hinder service
Physical Fitness: Must pass a comprehensive medical examination and physical fitness tests

Appearance Requirements

NO tattoos, piercings, or inscriptions on any part of the body (apart from tribal marks)

NO multiple ear piercings for female candidates

Professional military appearance required

Required Documents for Application and Screening

Applicants must prepare and bring ORIGINAL copies of ALL documents:

Photo Card (printed from portal)
Declaration by Applicant (from portal)
Parent or Guardian Forms (duly signed)
Certification by the LGA Chairman or Secretary
Certification by Divisional Police Officer (DPO)
Guarantor’s Form (completed)
SSCE/WAEC/NECO/NABTEB certificates (all sittings)
Trade Test or City and Guild Certificate (for trades applicants)
Primary school certificate
Birth certificate or age declaration
Certificate of State of Origin
National Identity Number (NIN) slip
Bank Verification Number (BVN) slip
Valid means of identification

Step-by-Step Application Procedure

Application Period: 30 March 2026 to 17 May 2026

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to:

https://recruitment.army.mil.ng

WARNING: ONLY use the authentic Nigerian Army recruitment website. Watch official Army communications.

Step 2: Click on 91 Regular Recruit Intake

Select the 91RRI recruitment option

Step 3: Create Account

Use a valid email address
Use an active phone number
Create a secure password
SAVE login details for future use

Step 4: Log in to Portal

Step 5: Complete Application Form

Fill with accurate information:

Personal details
Educational history
State of Origin (NOT State of Residence)
Contact information
Ensure name and DOB match NIN and BVN EXACTLY

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload clear scanned copies:

SSCE certificates
Trade certificates (if applicable)
Means of identification
Passport photograph

Step 7: Review Application

Check ALL information carefully. Avoid errors or omissions.

Step 8: Submit Online

Submit application online. Failure to submit online = DISQUALIFICATION.

Step 9: Print Documents

Print:

Photo Card
Application form
Acknowledgment slip

Step 10: Complete Guarantor Form

Have the Guarantor Form completed where required

Step 11: Apply ONCE Only

Multiple applications lead to OUTRIGHT DISQUALIFICATION

Multi-Stage Selection and Screening Process

After the portal closes on 17 May 2026, the Nigerian Army conducts a comprehensive multi-stage screening:

Stage 1: Shortlisting

Applications reviewed to confirm eligibility. Shortlisted candidates’ names published on the Nigerian Army website. Candidates notified via email/SMS.

Stage 2: State Screening Exercise (9-23 June 2026)

Shortlisted candidates report to the State of Origin for screening. NO special recruitment centres – screening in each State of Origin.

Physical Screening & Document Verification: Verification of:

Height and weight
All original credentials
Birth certificates
State of Origin certificates
LGA Chairman/Secretary certification
DPO certification
Guarantor forms

Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Tests may include:

Running and endurance drills
Push-ups, sit-ups, strength exercises
Obstacle course challenges

Performance CRITICAL to progression.

Medical Examination: Comprehensive medical screening:

Vision and hearing tests
Cardiovascular fitness
Musculoskeletal health
Absence of chronic or disabling conditions
Overall health assessment

Written Examination: Tests typically include:

English Language comprehension
Basic Mathematics
General knowledge
Military aptitude and reasoning

NOTE: NO pre-selection Computer-Based Test announced.

Interview: Formal interview with senior Army officers assessing:

Communication skills
Discipline and presence
Suitability for military service
Motivation and commitment

Stage 3: Final Selection

Successful candidates from all stages are offered enlistment and posted for basic military training.

Tips for a Successful Application

Apply Early: Register early to avoid portal congestion near the deadline
Accurate Details: Ensure name and DOB match NIN, BVN, and ALL credentials EXACTLY
Gather Documents: Have all original documents ready before screening
Physical Fitness: Start fitness training NOW for PFT
Study: Prepare for written examination (English, Math, General Knowledge)
Height Check: Verify you meet the minimum height before applying
State of Origin: Confirm your State of Origin documentation
Single Status: Must be unmarried
No Tattoos: Ensure no body inscriptions
Read Instructions: Study website instructions carefully
Print Confirmation: Print Photo Card and acknowledgement slip
Monitor Website: Check the Nigerian Army website for the shortlist publication
Clean Record: Ensure no criminal record or cult membership

Has The Nigerian Army Recruitment Application Form Been Released?

The Nigerian Army (91RRI) recruitment application form is available from March 30th to 17th May 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to check back regularly for updates.