Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026: How to Apply & Requirements

The Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026 exercise is one of the most anticipated national opportunities for young Nigerians who wish to serve their country with pride and discipline. Each year, the Nigerian Army opens its recruitment portal to qualified applicants seeking to join the force as tradesmen, women, and non-trades personnel.

If you are interested in building a career in the Nigerian Army, this detailed guide will walk you through the application process, qualifications, portal link, and important tips to help you succeed during the screening stage.

Overview of the Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026

The Nigerian Army is a critical component of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, responsible for defending the country’s territorial integrity, supporting peacekeeping missions, and maintaining internal security when necessary.

The 2026 recruitment exercise is expected to attract thousands of applicants across all states, as it offers both career and short-service enlistment opportunities. Applicants are therefore encouraged to follow official guidelines and verify information only from credible sources before applying.

Before you proceed, if you’d like to explore other youth empowerment opportunities, check out the NDDC Skill Acquisition Programme 2025/2026 – Application Portal, Requirements & How to Apply

Official Nigeria Army Recruitment Portal

All applications for the Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026 must be completed through the official recruitment portal:

👉 https://recruitment.army.mil.ng

This is the only authorized website for registration and verification. The Army does not collect application fees, and candidates should avoid submitting forms through unofficial sites or individuals claiming to have influence in the selection process.

Categories of Recruitment

The Nigerian Army recruitment is typically divided into the following categories:

1. Non-Tradesmen and Non-Tradeswomen: For candidates without vocational skills.

2. Tradesmen and Tradeswomen:  For applicants with trade certifications such as mechanics, electricians, drivers, and technicians.

3. Short Service Commission (SSC): For graduates seeking a short-term military service appointment.

4. Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC): For professionals such as doctors, engineers, and ICT specialists.

General Requirements for Nigerian Army Recruitment 2026

Before starting your application, ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth and possess a valid National Identity Number (NIN).

• Must be between 18 and 26 years old for non-trades applicants, and 18 to 30 years old for trades applicants.

• Must be single, with good moral character and no criminal record.

• Must meet the minimum height requirement of 1.68 meters for males and 1.65 meters for females.

• Must possess at least four credits in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, or GCE, including English and Mathematics.

• Tradesmen applicants must hold trade test certificates or relevant vocational qualifications.

• Medical fitness is mandatory, and all applicants must undergo a full medical examination before final selection.

Documents Required for Application

Candidates are expected to prepare the following documents before applying:

• Birth certificate or declaration of age.

• Certificate of origin duly signed by a local government official.

• Academic credentials and trade certificates.

• National ID, voter’s card, or driver’s license.

• Passport photograph (recent and clear).

All uploaded documents should be original and verifiable.

How to Apply for Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026

Follow the steps below to successfully complete your application:

Step 1: Visit the Official Recruitment Portal

Go to https://recruitment.army.mil.ng on a secure browser. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and all your documents ready.

Step 2: Create a Personal Account

Click “Apply Now” and register using a valid email address and phone number. A verification link or code will be sent to your email to activate the account.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Fill out all required sections, including personal information, educational background, and trade category (if applicable). Double-check for spelling and accuracy before submitting.

Step 4: Upload Required Documents

Attach your credentials, passport photograph, and certificates in the formats specified. Avoid using blurry or cropped files.

Step 5: Print Application Form

After submission, print your acknowledgment slip and guarantor’s form. Both will be required during physical screening.

Step 6: Wait for Shortlisting

Shortlisted candidates will be notified via email, SMS, or the official portal.

Screening Process and What to Expect

Applicants who pass the online stage will be invited for the physical screening exercise. This involves:

• Document verification.

• Medical and physical fitness tests.

• Aptitude or written examinations.

• Background and security checks.

Candidates who perform well in all these stages will proceed to training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, or other designated training centers.

Tips to Succeed During Screening

1. Stay physically fit: Begin exercising early to build endurance for drills and fitness tests.

2. Study current affairs: Many screening tests include questions on national and international issues.

3. Be truthful: All background checks are verified; falsifying information leads to disqualification.

4. Arrive early: Late arrival can result in automatic disqualification.

5. Follow official updates: Always confirm changes or updates through https://recruitment.army.mil.ng or the Nigerian Army’s verified social media pages.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting multiple applications.

• Using unverified agents or paying bribes.

• Uploading incomplete or unclear documents.

• Ignoring application deadlines.

• Using fake credentials or unverifiable certificates.

Application Deadline and Important Dates

The Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026 application is expected to open between January and March 2026, while the portal will likely close around April 2026.

However, applicants should always confirm the exact opening and closing dates through official NDDC channels or credible sources like GoldenEmpower.com, which publishes verified government and youth empowerment updates.

Why You Should Apply

Joining the Nigerian Army offers:

• Structured career growth and training

• Educational benefits and pension

• Opportunities for international peacekeeping

• Leadership, teamwork, and personal discipline

Beyond the Army, explore more opportunities in Youth Empowerment Programs You Can Apply for in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026 form out?
Not yet. The portal is expected to open officially in early 2026. Always check the Army’s official website for updates.

2. Do I need to pay for the application?
No. The application is completely free. The Nigerian Army does not charge any fee for recruitment.

3. Can married applicants apply?
No. Only single candidates are eligible to apply.

4. Where can I find official updates?
All verified announcements are made on https://recruitment.army.mil.ng and official Army social media accounts.

5. Will successful candidates receive training?
Yes. Selected candidates will undergo intensive military training at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria or other approved facilities.

Conclusion

The Nigeria Army Recruitment 2026 is a transparent and merit-based process designed to select the best candidates for service. Prospective applicants are advised to prepare their documents early, follow official guidelines, and ignore fraudulent agents or fake websites.

For verified recruitment updates, empowerment programs, and application guidance, visit Nigeria Empowerment Hub ., your trusted source for reliable youth and career information in Nigeria.