Comprehensive guide — everything you need to know to apply, prepare, and check your status for the 90th Regular Recruits Intake (90RRI) of the Nigerian Army (2025/2026).

Quick summary (TL;DR)

The official online application portal for 90RRI is recruitment.army.mil.ng.
Application window published by multiple sources: application opened 29 September 2025 and several reputable outlets report a closing date in mid-November 2025 (commonly reported as 14 November 2025). Confirm exact closing time on the official portal before submission. My CV Creator+1
Typical age limits: 18–22 years for non-trades, 18–26 years for tradesmen/women (verify on the portal for any role-specific variance).
Applications are free; beware of scams and third-party sites charging fees. Always use the official portal.

1. What is 90RRI?

The 90th Regular Recruits Intake (90RRI) is the Nigerian Army’s periodic mass recruitment intake for enlisted personnel (both tradesmen/women and non-trades). Successful candidates undergo state screening, medical and physical tests, and final selection before being enlisted and trained at Depot Nigerian Army or other designated centres.

2. Official portal & verification

Official application portal: recruitment.army.mil.ng — use this portal to register, complete the form, upload documents, and (later) check shortlisted names. Any other web address or service demanding money for the application is very likely a scam. Confirm notices on the official portal and the Nigerian Army’s official communication channels before acting.

3. Key dates (reported)

Multiple recruitment trackers and news sites report the application opening and closing windows for 90RRI 2025/2026. Reported dates include:

Application start: 29 September 2025. My CV Creator+1
Reported closing: mid-November 2025 (widely quoted as 14 November 2025, but some local announcements show slightly different closing windows by state or category). Always verify the portal’s countdown/timetable.

Important: recruitment dates sometimes change or are clarified by the Nigerian Army. The portal is the authoritative source — check it before taking any action.

4. Who can apply — eligibility (typical requirements)

Note: the Nigerian Army may publish category-specific criteria (tradesmen vs non-trades, etc.). Below are the commonly reported eligibility requirements; check the portal for any role-specific variations.

Nationality: Nigerian citizen by birth.
Age: Usually 18–22 years for non-tradesmen/women and 18–26 years for tradesmen/women at the time of application. Exact age cut-offs are role dependent — calculate using the portal’s required reference date.
Marital status: Typically, applicants must be single (not married).
Education: Minimum educational requirements vary by entry category — many common categories require WASSCE/NECO or equivalent; trade categories accept technical certificates or trade test results. See the portal for exact academic requirements for each entry code.
Medical & physical fitness: Candidates must be medically, physically and mentally fit — screening includes medical checks, eyesight tests, and physical endurance tests.
Criminal record: Applicants must be free of criminal convictions; background checks are performed.
NIN/BVN: Possession of National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) printout is commonly required.

5. Documents you should prepare (scannable copies)

Prepare high-quality scanned copies (PDF/JPG) before starting the online form:

Passport photograph (white background, recent)
Birth certificate or age declaration (or valid national ID)
National Identity Number (NIN) slip or proof
BVN printout
Educational certificates (WASSCE/NECO/First School Leaving/NYSC exemption if applicable)
Trade certificates (for tradesmen/women categories)
Proof of state of origin / local government area (if required)
Police character reference (if requested at later stages)

Upload sizes/format constraints vary — follow portal instructions exactly.

6. Step-by-step: How to apply (online)

The process described below is the standard flow reported by official and reputable recruitment trackers. Use the portal’s live instructions as final.

Visit the official portal recruitment.army.mil.ng. Create an account with a valid email and phone number.
Log in and complete the application form: personal info, next-of-kin, education, trade (if any), and preferred state screening centre. My CV Creator
Upload required documents (passport photo, certificates, NIN/BVN, etc.) in the formats indicated. Double-check file sizes and readability.
Submit the application. Applications are normally free — there’s no legitimate fee to submit the form.
Print or save a copy of your completed application and the acknowledgment slip/printout. You will need these at screening.

7. Selection process — what happens after you apply

Shortlisting: The portal will publish a shortlist of qualified applicants (by state or entry number). Shortlisted candidates are invited to state screening centres. (Shortlist portal pages have been reported as recruitment.army.mil.ng/drm or similar.)
State screening: Physical measurements, documentation verification, basic medical checks, and further shortlisting at designated state centres. Bring originals and photocopies of all documents plus the printed application slip and valid ID.
Medical and final selection: Those who pass state screening go through fuller medical examinations and final selection; successful candidates are enlisted for training.

8. Physical standards (commonly enforced)

Exact numbers can vary by year/category, but expect checks such as:

Minimum height (differs by gender and role)
Chest measurement (for males)
Weight proportional to height
Visual acuity and general medical fitness
Endurance tests (run, sit-ups, push-ups)

Follow the portal or state screening circular for precise standards applicable to 90RRI.

9. Tips to increase your chance of success

Apply early — portals sometimes get heavy traffic. Submit before the official closing date to avoid technical issues. My CV Creator
Complete & honest information: Incomplete forms are often rejected. Don’t falsify documents — verification will catch discrepancies.
High-quality scans: Ensure your uploads are legible; blurry documents are rejected at screening.
Physical prep: Start a fitness routine (running, push-ups, core work) and meet minimum height/weight targets if possible.
Medical readiness: Attend a pre-application medical check to resolve treatable issues (e.g., eye prescriptions, treatable infections) before screening.
Follow official announcements: Only act on information from the official portal or recognized Nigerian Army channels.

10. Common pitfalls & scams — what to watch for

Payment requests: The Nigerian Army does not charge an application fee on the official portal. Any site or person asking for money for the application is almost certainly fraudulent.
Third-party “agents”: Avoid paying middlemen who promise to guarantee selection. Selection is merit-based and centrally managed.
Fake announcements: Misinformation circulates widely on social media about start/close dates and requirements. Always cross-check the portal and reputable news outlets.

11. How to check the shortlist & next steps

Shortlist portal: The recruitment site typically has a shortlist/checking page (reports indicate pages like recruitment.army.mil.ng/drm). You’ll be able to search by state or application number.
State screening invitation: Shortlisted candidates will get information about the state screening venue, date and what to bring. Print and carry originals and copies of all documents.
Follow further instructions: After state screening, the Army communicates medical dates, final selection lists and training commencement details. Keep your contact info updated on your portal account.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the Army recruitment form free?
A: Yes — the official application through the portal is free. Any demand for payment is suspicious.

Q: Can married people apply?
A: Historically, most regular intake categories require applicants to be single. Check the specific category rules on the portal.

Q: What is the best way to confirm the closing date?
A: Use the official portal’s timeline and reputable national outlets. Dates reported online may vary — the portal is authoritative.

Q: I lost my application slip — what now?
A: Log into your portal account and reprint the slip. Keep digital and printed copies for screening. My CV Creator

Q: How will I be contacted if shortlisted?
A: The portal will publish shortlists; additionally, the Army or state screening officials may contact candidates by the phone/email on record. Keep those channels active.

13. Checklist before you hit “Submit”

Confirm you meet the exact age limits for your chosen category.
Scan all original documents clearly (passport photo, certificates, NIN, BVN).
Ensure phone number and email are valid and accessible. My CV Creator
Photograph/scan a copy of the printout of the fully completed form after submission. My CV Creator
Avoid paying anyone for the application. Report suspicious solicitation to authorities and the portal team.

14. What to do if something looks wrong

If the portal shows contradictory information, or you see suspicious posts about recruitment:

Cross-check with the portal and established national outlets.
Don’t pay anyone for “fast tracking.”
Ask at official state screening centres only after shortlists are published.

15. Final notes & resources

Official portal (primary reference): recruitment.army.mil.ng — always rely on this for forms, shortlists and official circulars.
Be skeptical of social posts: Many social media posts circulate inaccurate dates and requirements. Double-check against the portal and recognized news sites.