NAF opens 2026 recruitment for fresh military applicants

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has opened applications for its 2026 Basic Military Training Course, inviting qualified Nigerians to enlist as tradesmen/women and non-tradesmen/women.

The recruitment portal will be open from September 3 to October 14, 2026, according to a notice issued by the Air Force on Wednesday.

NAF said the exercise is free and advised prospective applicants to study the eligibility criteria and application guidelines before submitting their forms.

Applicants are required to apply through the official NAF recruitment portal.

For tradesmen and women, candidates must be aged between 18 and 27 by March 1, 2027, while applicants for the non-tradesmen category must be between 18 and 22 years old by the same date.

All applicants must be Nigerians by birth and meet the stipulated physical, medical and psychological fitness requirements. The minimum height is 1.66 metres for males and 1.63 metres for females.

Candidates seeking enlistment as tradesmen/women with ND or NCE qualifications must have obtained their certificates from accredited institutions and secured at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB or NBAIS.

Those applying for driving and other technical trades for which Trade Test certificates are required must possess the relevant certificates in addition to meeting the required SSCE conditions. Driver applicants must also hold valid driving licences.

For non-tradesmen/women, candidates are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in the relevant examinations, as well as Primary School Certificates and Secondary School Testimonials.

NAF said successful applicants would be required to complete an Acknowledgement Form, Parent/Guardian Consent Form and Local Government Area Attestation Form.

The attestation must be endorsed by an authorised official, including a military officer not below the rank of Wing Commander or its equivalent in the Army or Navy, a police officer of Chief Superintendent of Police rank or above, a substantive local government chairman or secretary, or a magistrate from the applicant’s state of origin.

Applicants must attach a passport photograph and a photocopy of the signatory’s valid identification, such as a driver’s licence, National Identity Card or international passport.

The Air Force said successful applicants would later be invited for a zonal general aptitude test, with the date to be announced through the recruitment portal.

Only candidates who pass the aptitude test will proceed to the interview stage.