Nigerian Army 91RRI Shortlisted Candidates 2025/2026 – Full List PDF

Nigerian Army Recruitment 2026 – How to Apply for the 91 Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) –

The Nigerian Army has officially opened applications for its 91st Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) — one of the most anticipated recruitment exercises in Nigeria every year. This is your chance to join one of Africa’s most respected land forces, serve your country, and build a stable, long-term career with structured pay, benefits, and promotion opportunities.

Whether you are a school leaver looking for a career path or a young Nigerian who has always dreamed of wearing the uniform, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — from eligibility requirements and application steps to screening dates and what to expect on the day.

Read every section carefully before you apply. Missing even one requirement can lead to immediate disqualification.

Key Dates for Nigerian Army 91RRI Recruitment 2026

The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of online registration for the 91st Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) for tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women. The application portal opened on Sunday, March 30, 2026, and closes on Saturday, May 17, 2026.

Shortlisted candidates are expected to report to their states of origin for screening between June 9 and June 23, 2026.

Do not wait until the deadline. Apply as early as possible to avoid portal congestion and technical issues.

What Is the 91RRI?

The Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) is the Nigerian Army’s annual recruitment programme for non-commissioned soldiers — men and women who will serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s land forces. The 91RRI is the 91st edition of this exercise.

Recruits are enlisted as either:

• Non-Tradesmen/Women — General duty soldiers who perform a wide range of military tasks including combat, logistics, and support operations.
• Tradesmen/Women — Specialists with a recognised trade skill, such as drivers, cooks, tailors, mechanics, electricians, and other technical personnel.

Both categories go through basic military training after enlistment, but tradesmen/women are generally deployed in roles that match their civilian trade qualifications.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Requirements for 91RRI 2026

Before you begin your application, confirm that you meet all of the following requirements:

Nationality and Personal Status

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and must be single. They are required to have a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN). Data on the NIN must correspond with the BVN and all other credentials.

Age Requirements

Applicants must be between 18 and 22 years for non-tradesmen/women, while tradesmen/women must not be more than 26 years by June 30, 2026.

Height Requirements

Applicants must not be less than 1.68 metres and 1.65 metres tall for male and female candidates respectively.

Educational Qualifications

Applicants must have at least four credit passes including English Language in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or GCE.

For tradesmen/women, relevant trade certificates and evidence of the specific skill are also required.

Medical and Physical Fitness

Candidates must be medically, physically and mentally fit according to Nigerian Army standards. Anyone with a criminal record is not eligible.

State of Origin

Applicants must apply using their state of origin and not their state of residence. Applicants must possess a valid certificate of state of origin.

Character Requirements

The Nigerian Army maintains strict standards on personal conduct. The following will lead to automatic disqualification:

• Membership of any cult, secret society, or fraternity
• Tattoos or body inscriptions on any visible part of the body
• Multiple ear piercings for female applicants
• Criminal conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction
• Submission of forged or falsified documents

Step-by-Step Guide — How to Apply for Nigerian Army 91RRI 2026

The entire application process is online only. There is no physical application form available at any office. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Visit the Official Recruitment Portal

Go to the Nigerian Army’s official recruitment website: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/

Do not apply through any other website, agent, or third party. The Nigerian Army has warned that any portal opened outside of this official address is fraudulent.

Step 2: Select the 91RRI Application Option

On the homepage, locate and click on the Regular Recruit Intake (RRI) section for the 91st intake. Read the information displayed carefully before proceeding.

Step 3: Create an Account

New users must create an account using a valid email address, while returning users can log in directly.

Use a personal email address that you actively check. All correspondence from the Army, including shortlist notifications, will be sent to this email.

Step 4: Fill the Online Application Form

Applicants are then required to fill out the online form with accurate personal details, educational background, NIN, BVN, and other required information.

Take your time with this section. Enter every detail exactly as it appears on your original documents. Any discrepancy between your NIN, BVN, certificates, and application form can lead to disqualification at the screening stage.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents

Scan and upload clear, legible copies of all required documents. Poor quality scans may cause your application to be rejected. Required documents typically include:

• O’Level result (WAEC/NECO/NABTEB certificate or result slip)
• Birth certificate or age declaration
• State of origin certificate
• National Identity Card (NIN slip)
• Bank Verification Number (BVN) slip
• Trade certificates (for tradesmen/women applicants)
• Passport photograph (white background, recent)

Step 6: Review and Submit

Double-check all information entered for accuracy. Once you are satisfied that everything is correct, submit your application. A confirmation will be displayed on the portal and sent to your email address.

Step 7: Print Your Photo Card and Guarantor Form

Complete the application form and submit it online. Print a copy of the form and complete the Guarantor Form where required. Submit the application online after printing the Photo Card. Failure to submit online leads to disqualification.

This is a critical step that many applicants miss. You must submit online first, then print. Printing without completing the online submission will result in disqualification.

Documents to Bring to the Screening Exercise

Candidates must present duly signed copies of the following documents at the state screening exercise: photo card, declaration by applicant, parent/guardian consent form, and certification by Local Government Chairman/Secretary.

In addition to these, bring originals and photocopies of:

• O’Level certificate or result slip
• Birth certificate or statutory declaration of age
• State of origin certificate (signed by recognised authority)
• NIN slip and BVN slip
• Trade certificates (where applicable)
• NYSC discharge certificate (if applicable)
• Passport photographs (at least six copies)

Organise all documents in a clear, labelled folder before your screening date. Arriving disorganised wastes time and creates a poor impression.

What Happens at the Screening Exercise?

The physical screening exercise for 91RRI 2026 takes place in each candidate’s state of origin between June 9 and June 23, 2026. Here is what to expect:

1. Document Verification

Army officials will verify every document you present against the issuing authority’s records. All documents will be verified by the appropriate issuing authorities, and candidates with fake documents will be handed over to the police for prosecution.

Do not attempt to use forged, altered, or borrowed documents. The consequences are severe — immediate disqualification, arrest, and prosecution.

2. Physical Measurement

Your height will be measured to confirm you meet the minimum requirement of 1.68m (male) or 1.65m (female). Weight, chest measurement, and other physical assessments may also be conducted.

3. Medical Examination

An Army medical team will conduct a basic health check to confirm you are fit for military service. Conditions such as flat feet, poor eyesight, heart defects, and certain chronic illnesses may be disqualifying.

4. Physical Fitness Test

Expect basic physical fitness assessments including running, press-ups, and sit-ups. Begin training now — do not wait until screening week.

Important note: There will be no pre-selection computer-based test for the 91RRI recruitment. Screening will be conducted in applicants’ states of origin.

How to Join the Nigerian Army as a Graduate — DSSC and SSC

The 91RRI is for non-commissioned soldiers (enlisted ranks). If you are a graduate with a university degree or HND, there are two additional routes into the Nigerian Army designed specifically for you:

Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC)

The DSSC is for graduates with professional qualifications in specific fields. The Army recruits doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lawyers, engineers, accountants, IT specialists, and education professionals through this route.

Applicants must possess the required education degree or HND and be registered with the appropriate professional bodies. DSSC officers enter as commissioned officers with a higher starting rank and salary than enlisted soldiers.

DSSC training duration: Six months at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji.

Short Service Commission (SSC)

The SSC is for graduates who want to serve as commissioned officers but are not necessarily from professional fields. SSC officers serve for an initial period that may be extended or converted to a regular commission based on performance.

SSC training duration: Nine months.

Both the DSSC and SSC are announced separately from the RRI. Watch the official Army website and careersnews.com.ng for announcements.

Is Nigerian Army Recruitment Free?

Yes — absolutely. The recruitment process is completely free. Applicants are advised not to pay anyone for assistance. This cannot be emphasised enough. Every year, thousands of Nigerians lose money to fraudsters who claim to be Army insiders who can “process” or “guarantee” recruitment. These people are criminals. No individual has the power to place your name on any Army shortlist. The process is centralised, merit-based, and independently verified.

If anyone contacts you claiming to be an Army recruiter and asks for money — in any amount — report them to the Nigerian Army at the contact numbers listed on the official portal and do not send any payment.

Physical Fitness Tips — How to Prepare Before Screening

Failing the physical fitness test at screening is one of the most common reasons candidates are turned away. Begin your preparation at least six to eight weeks before your screening date:

Running: Start with a 2km jog and build up to 3–5km runs, three to four times per week. Army fitness standards require you to run comfortably for sustained distances.

Press-ups: Begin with sets of 10 and work up to three sets of 30 press-ups daily. Proper form matters more than speed.

Sit-ups: Do three sets of 20 sit-ups daily, gradually increasing to sets of 35 or more.

Diet: Eat nutritious food in the weeks leading up to screening. Avoid junk food, alcohol, and substances that could affect your medical test results.

Rest: Ensure adequate sleep — at least seven to eight hours per night — particularly in the week before screening.

Benefits of Joining the Nigerian Army

Beyond serving your country with pride and honour, a career in the Nigerian Army comes with tangible long-term benefits:

• Structured salary — Monthly pay from day one, with regular increments at each promotion
• Free accommodation — Barracks housing for soldiers and their families
• Free medical care — Army hospitals provide healthcare for personnel and immediate family members
• Pension and gratuity — Retirement benefits under the Contributory Pension Scheme
• Education and training — Opportunities for further education, including degree sponsorship for outstanding soldiers
• International exposure — Peacekeeping missions with the United Nations and African Union, which come with additional allowances paid in foreign currency
• Career progression — A clearly defined promotion ladder from Private through Corporal, Sergeant, and Warrant Officer ranks
• Post-service opportunities — Army training and discipline are highly valued by private sector employers after retirement

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Nigerian Army 91RRI recruitment still open? The application portal opened on March 30, 2026 and closes on May 17, 2026. Punch Apply now if you have not already done so.

Can I apply if I am not from the state I currently live in? Yes, but you must apply under your state of origin, not your state of residence. You will also be screened in your state of origin, so plan your travel accordingly.

Will there be a CBT (aptitude test) before screening? There will be no pre-selection computer-based test for the 91RRI recruitment. Successful applicants proceed directly to physical screening.

Can married people apply for the 91RRI? No. The 91RRI is open to single applicants only. Married individuals should not apply as this will lead to disqualification.

What is the difference between tradesmen and non-tradesmen? Non-tradesmen are general duty soldiers. Tradesmen have a recognised specialist skill (driving, tailoring, cooking, electrical work, etc.) and are deployed in roles matching their trade. Tradesmen also have a higher age limit of 26 years, compared to 22 years for non-tradesmen.

What happens after screening? Successful candidates are enlisted and sent to the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria for basic military training, which lasts approximately six months.

Final Thoughts

The Nigerian Army 91RRI 2026 recruitment is a genuine, free, and merit-based opportunity to build a disciplined, rewarding career in national service. If you meet the requirements, do not hesitate — apply now before the May 17, 2026 deadline.

Prepare your documents today, begin your physical fitness training immediately, and apply only through the official portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng.

Bookmark careersnews.com.ng for real-time updates on the 91RRI shortlist publication, screening schedules, and any other changes to the Nigerian Army recruitment exercise in 2026.

Disclaimer:

Careersnews.com.ng is not affiliated with the Nigerian Army or any government agency. This article is for informational purposes only. All recruitment details are based on official announcements. Always verify the latest information at the Nigerian Army’s official website: recruitment.army.mil.ng.