Nigerian Army Opens 89th Regular Recruits Intake for 2025
The Nigerian Army has flung its doors wide open for new recruits by announcing the much-anticipated 89th Regular Recruits Intake. From March 31 to May 7, 2025, thousands of young Nigerians have a chance to sign up online and aim for a spot in one of the nation’s most vital institutions. This isn’t just a hiring spree—the Army is on a mission to find individuals who are not only physically and mentally up for the job, but who are ready to help defend the country’s sovereignty and peace.
It’s no secret that getting into the Nigerian Army isn’t just about turning up. The requirements are clear, and the bar is set high, both for tradesmen (those with technical skills or certifications) and non-tradesmen/women (those without specific trade qualifications). If you’re a male, you need to measure up to at least 1.68 meters, or around 5’6”. Female applicants must be at least 1.65 meters tall. Age matters, too. Non-trades applicants should be between 18 and 22, while tradesmen/women can be up to 26 years old. There’s no wiggle room here—the Army is strict about these limits, emphasizing fairness and discipline right from the start.
Your school records also need to be in order. The minimal educational requirement is four passes on your WASSEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB exams, and one of those passes must be in English. For those hoping to be considered as tradesmen or women, you’ll need to show hard evidence of your craft—a valid trade test or certificate, uploaded as part of your application.
How to Apply and Who Stands a Chance?
Anyone hoping for a spot must start by registering on the official Army recruitment portal: recruitment.army.mil.ng. The Army stresses that the entire application process is absolutely free—no payments for forms, no fees for tests, and zero tolerance for scammers looking to profit off hopeful recruits. Scams have been a problem in the past, so this is a big deal. The site guides candidates through every step, from registering basic personal information to uploading key documents like a valid NIN, BVN, and birth certificate (accepted only from the National Population Commission, hospitals, or your local council).
Here’s a quick checklist for eligibility:
- Single Nigerian citizen by birth
- Within the specified age range for your application category
- Meet the minimum height requirement (1.68m for men, 1.65m for women)
- Four passes in relevant exams—English is non-negotiable
- Clean criminal record, and medically, physically, and psychologically fit
- Trades applicants must upload proof of recognized skills
- Valid documents: NIN, BVN, and birth certificate from recognized organizations
The Army isn’t just looking for anyone—they want people who are ready for the reality of serving. The medical, physical, and psychological assessments are thorough. Anyone who isn’t ready for that shouldn’t bother applying.
This recruitment drive isn’t happening in a vacuum. National security is front and center, with the Army highlighting the role of new recruits in upholding Nigeria’s sovereignty. Public figures, like Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, have urged youths to seize the opportunity—not just for a job, but as a chance to serve the country and make a difference where it counts the most.
For families, this announcement might mean watching a loved one prepare for tests, brushing up on school subjects, and gathering documents. For many young men and women across Nigeria, it’s a shot at breaking into the ranks, learning new skills, working in teams, and possibly shaping the future of national safety for millions. The process isn’t easy—it’s designed that way. But for those who succeed, the reward is more than a uniform: it’s about pride, purpose, and being trusted with the country’s defense.
With high hopes and strict standards, the Nigerian Army recruitment process is set to shape the next wave of guardians for Nigeria’s future. The countdown is already ticking.
Comments
Govind Gupta
I'm from India, but I've followed Nigerian military reforms for years. The way they're tightening documentation with NIN and BVN? Smart. Most African armies still rely on paper trails and bribes. This digital-first approach is rare and impressive. The height requirements feel fair too-no one wants a recruit who can't fit in a tank or crawl through jungle terrain. Respect for the discipline.
tushar singh
This is exactly the kind of opportunity young people need. Not just a job, but a chance to grow, learn leadership, and serve something bigger than themselves. I wish my country had this kind of structured, transparent recruitment. No scams, no middlemen-just hard work and eligibility. Keep pushing, Nigeria. You're setting an example.
Robert Shealtiel
They say it's free but everyone knows the real test comes after you pass the portal. The medicals are rigged. The psychological evals? They're just looking for who'll shut up and obey. And don't get me started on the 'clean criminal record'-if you've ever been near a protest or a police roadblock, you're already disqualified. This isn't recruitment. It's selection for loyalty.
Marrissa Davis
OMG this is so cool!! I'm not Nigerian but I just wanna say-this is the kind of thing that gives me hope for the future. Imagine being 19, having your mom help you print your NECO results, and then you actually get in. That’s a whole new chapter. And the fact they’re requiring English? Genius. Communication saves lives. You’re not just joining an army-you’re joining a team. Go get it, future soldiers!! 💪🇳🇬
Sean Brison
I’ve worked with military recruitment systems in 5 countries. This Nigerian setup is actually one of the most transparent I’ve seen. The portal’s clean, the docs are specific, and the age/height limits are clearly tied to operational needs-not arbitrary. The trade certification requirement is especially smart. You don’t need 10,000 infantrymen who can’t fix a radio. You need mechanics, medics, electricians who can operate under pressure. This isn’t just about filling ranks-it’s about building a functional force.
Norm Rockwell
Let me tell you what they’re not telling you. The 89th intake? It’s a cover. The real mission is to funnel young men into private military contractors working for foreign oil companies. The ‘national sovereignty’ talk? Just PR. Look at the dates-March to May. That’s right before the rainy season. Why? Because they know the jungle tests will thin the herd. And the NIN requirement? That’s how they’re building a biometric database for the next phase. They’re not recruiting soldiers. They’re recruiting data points. Wake up.
Lawrence Abiamuwe
As a Nigerian, I am deeply proud of this initiative. The Nigerian Army has taken a bold step toward professionalism. The emphasis on verifiable documents and merit-based selection is long overdue. To all applicants: ensure your NIN is active, your BVN is linked, and your certificates are legible. Do not rely on friends or agents. The portal is clear. The process is fair. Your dedication will be seen. May God guide your steps.