The Nigerian Army has officially opened applications for its 91st Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) for 2026. This is a major opportunity for young Nigerians who want to build a career in national service and enjoy the benefits that come with being a member of the Nigerian Army. The application portal opened on March 30, 2026 and closes on May 17, 2026 so you need to act fast.
In this guide we cover everything you need to know about the Nigerian Army Recruitment 2026 including the two categories of recruitment, eligibility requirements, documents needed, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
About the 91RRI Recruitment Exercise
The 91 Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) is an annual recruitment exercise conducted by the Nigerian Army to admit qualified young Nigerians into its ranks as soldiers. The 2026 exercise follows the successful completion of the 90RRI conducted in 2025 and aims to recruit suitable individuals to strengthen the Army.
The recruitment is open to two categories of candidates — tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women. After successful recruitment, candidates will undergo rigorous military training before being commissioned as soldiers.
Important: The application is completely free of charge. Do not pay anyone claiming to help you secure a position in the Nigerian Army.
Two Categories of the Recruitment
1. Tradesmen/Women
This category is for candidates who already have a specific trade skill or technical qualification such as mechanics, electricians, welders, medical personnel, tailors, cooks, and similar skilled trades.
2. Non-Tradesmen/Women
This category is open to candidates without a specific trade skill. They are recruited as general soldiers and trained by the Army from scratch.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2026 Nigerian Army 91RRI recruitment you must meet the following criteria:
(1) Applicants must be single and Nigerian citizen by birth, and must possess National Identity Card/NIN and Bank Verification Number (BVN) slip.
(2) The name and date of birth on the NIN must correspond with those on the BVN and all other credentials.
(3) Applicants must be medically, physically and psychologically fit in accordance with Nigerian Army Standards.
(4) Applicants must have no criminal conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction.
(5) Applicants must posses at least a minimum of 4 Passes including English Language in not more than 2 sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB and NBAIS.
(6) In addition to the above qualifications, those applying as trades men/women must posses Trade Test/City and Guild Certitificate.
(7) Applicants must posses a valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital or Local Government Council. Age declaration endorsed by a competent court can also suffice.
(8) Applicant must not be less than 18 years or more than 22 years for non-trades men/women, while trades men/women must not be more than 26 years by 30 Jun 26.
(9) Applicants must not be less than 1.68 metres and 1.65 metres tall for male and female candidates respectively.
(10) Applicants must apply using their state of origin and not state of residence.
(11) Applicants must possess a valid certificate of state of origin.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Follow these steps carefully to complete your Nigerian Army 91RRI application:
Step 1: Visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng
Step 2: On the homepage click on “Regular Recruit Intake (RRI)”
Step 3: Read all the requirements carefully to confirm you are eligible before proceeding
Step 4: Click “Apply Now” to begin your application
Step 5: Fill in your personal details accurately — full name, date of birth, state of origin, local government area, NIN, and BVN
Step 6: Select your category — Tradesman/Woman or Non-Tradesman/Woman
Step 7: Upload all required documents in the specified formats
Step 8: Review your application carefully before submitting
Step 9: Submit your application before the deadline — May 17, 2026
Step 10: After submission check the official Nigerian Army website regularly for the list of shortlisted candidates
What Happens After Applying?
After the application deadline, the Nigerian Army will review all submissions. Names of shortlisted candidates will be published on the official Nigerian Army website at army.mil.ng. Shortlisted candidates are expected to report to their states of origin for physical and document screening between June 9 and June 23, 2026. Candidates must come with their original NIN and BVN slips and all original credentials for verification.
Final Thoughts?
The deadline is May 17, 2026 — do not wait until the last minute. Visit the official portal today and complete your application.
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