Nigerian Army 91RRI Shortlisted Candidates 2026 list is officially out! If you applied for the 91st Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) for Trades/Non-Tradesmen and Women before the May 17, 2026 deadline, now is the time to confirm whether your name has been selected for the next stage of the recruitment exercise.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, how to check your name online, how to download the PDF shortlist, the official screening dates, required documents, selection criteria, and important tips to help you succeed at the 2026 Nigerian Army screening exercise.
What Is the Nigerian Army 91RRI?
The 91 Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) is the 91st edition of the Nigerian Army’s periodic nationwide recruitment exercise for Tradesmen/Women and Non-Tradesmen/Women. It is open to eligible Nigerian citizens who wish to serve their nation as soldiers in the Nigerian Army, the largest component of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
The 91RRI is different from officer-cadre recruitments such as the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or Short Service Commission (SSC). It targets rank-and-file soldiers, offering a clear pathway to a stable military career for qualified young Nigerians across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Quick Summary: Nigerian Army 91RRI Recruitment 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Body | Nigerian Army |
| Intake Number | 91st Regular Recruits Intake (91RRI) |
| Category | Tradesmen/Women & Non-Tradesmen/Women |
| Official Portal | recruitment.army.mil.ng |
| Portal Opening Date | March 30, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | May 17, 2026 |
| Shortlist Status | OUT, Check Now |
| Screening Period | June 9 – June 23, 2026 |
| Screening Location | State of Origin (All 36 States + FCT) |
| Application Fee | Free (No payment required) |
| Training Depot | Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria |
| Contact Numbers | 07036499094 / 09041116433 |
Is the Nigerian Army 91RRI Shortlist 2026 Out?
Yes! The Nigerian Army 91RRI Shortlisted Candidates 2026 list has been officially released. All applicants who submitted their applications before the closing date of May 17, 2026 can now visit the official recruitment portal to confirm whether their names appear on the shortlist.
Shortlisted candidates from all 36 states and the FCT are expected to report to their respective states of origin for the physical screening exercise, which runs from June 9 to June 23, 2026. Lists are available for every state including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Enugu, FCT, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
How to Check Your Name on the Nigerian Army 91RRI Shortlist 2026
Checking whether your name appears on the shortlist is straightforward. Follow the step-by-step process below carefully:
- Open any browser on your phone or computer and visit the official recruitment portal: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/drm
- Log in using the email address and password you used when you applied.
- Click on “Shortlisted Candidates (91RRI)” in the menu or dashboard.
- Select your state of origin from the dropdown list.
- Click the download button to open or save the PDF shortlist for your state.
- Once the PDF opens, use CTRL + F (on PC) or the search icon (on mobile) to search for your full name, NIN, or application number.
- If your name appears on the list, congratulations, you have been shortlisted for screening.
- Take note of your assigned screening center and report date.
Important: If your name does not appear on the shortlist, it means your application did not meet the shortlisting criteria for this intake. You may apply again during the next RRI intake when the portal reopens.
Nigerian Army 91RRI Screening Date 2026
The Nigerian Army has officially announced that the 91RRI state screening exercise will take place from June 9 to June 23, 2026. The screening will be conducted simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
All shortlisted candidates must report to the designated screening center in their state of origin — not the state where they currently live or work. Reporting to the wrong state will lead to automatic disqualification. There is no zonal or central screening; it is strictly state-by-state.
Note: There will be no pre-selection Computer-Based Test (CBT). The physical and document screening at the state level is the primary filter before candidates proceed to training.
Selection Criteria: Who Gets Shortlisted for 91RRI 2026?
The Nigerian Army applies strict criteria when shortlisting candidates. Below are the key factors used in the 2026 shortlisting process:
1. Nationality
Only Nigerian citizens by birth are eligible. Dual citizens or naturalized citizens do not qualify.
2. Marital Status
Only single candidates are considered. Married applicants are automatically disqualified. This condition is strictly enforced at the screening stage.
3. Age Requirements
Candidates applying as Non-Tradesmen/Women must be between 18 and 22 years old. Those applying as Tradesmen/Women must be 26 years or below as of June 30, 2026.
4. Educational Qualification
Applicants must possess a minimum of 4 credit passes (including English Language) in not more than 2 sittings in WASSCE, GCE, NECO, NABTEB, or NBAIS. Tradesmen/Women must additionally possess a Trade Test or City and Guild Certificate.
5. NIN and BVN Consistency
Candidates must have both a National Identification Number (NIN) and a Bank Verification Number (BVN). The name and date of birth on the NIN must exactly match the BVN and all other credentials submitted.
6. Height Requirements
Male candidates must be at least 1.68 metres tall, while female candidates must be at least 1.65 metres tall.
7. Medical Fitness
Candidates must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit in accordance with Nigerian Army standards. Any candidate with a disqualifying medical condition will not be selected.
8. State of Origin
Candidates must apply using their state of origin and possess a valid certificate of origin issued by the appropriate local government authority.
9. No Criminal Record
Applicants must have no criminal conviction by any court of competent jurisdiction and must not belong to any cult, secret society, or fraternity.
Documents Required for the 91RRI Screening Exercise 2026
All shortlisted candidates must arrive at their state screening center with the following documents. Arriving without any of these may result in disqualification:
- Printed Acknowledgement Slip and Photo Card from the recruitment portal
- Original copies of all academic certificates — Primary School Leaving Certificate, WAEC/NECO/GCE/NABTEB/NBAIS result(s), in a file jacket
- Original and photocopy of Birth Certificate or Age Declaration (endorsed by the National Population Commission, a hospital, or the Local Government)
- Certificate of State of Origin issued by your Local Government Area (LGA)
- Bank Verification Number (BVN) certificate printed and certified by a bank
- WAEC/GCE/NECO/NABTEB online result scratch card
- Declaration by Applicant form (signed)
- Parent/Guardian Form (duly signed)
- Certification by LGA Chairman/Secretary
- Certification by Divisional Police Officer (DPO)
- Guarantor’s Form (duly signed)
- Letter of identification signed by a recognized traditional ruler or LGA Chairman
- Trade Test Certificate or City and Guild Certificate (for Tradesmen/Women applicants only)
- National Identity Card or NIN slip
Warning: All documents will be verified with their issuing authorities. Any candidate found to have submitted forged, falsified, or tampered documents will be withdrawn from training and handed over to the police for prosecution, even if they have already been admitted into the Army.
Things NOT Allowed at the Screening Venue
Shortlisted candidates must take note of the following prohibitions during the 91RRI screening exercise:
- No electronic or recording devices are to be brought to the screening venue.
- Tattoos, body inscriptions, or piercings on any part of the body (other than tribal marks) are not allowed.
- Multiple ear piercings for female candidates are strictly prohibited.
- Candidates must not be members of any cult, secret society, or fraternity.
What Happens After the Screening?
Candidates who pass the physical and document screening at the state level will be recommended for the final stage: training at the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria. This is the standard training center for new recruits in the Nigerian Army. Successful recruits will undergo basic military training before being deployed to their respective units.
The Nigerian Army will not be responsible for any injuries or fatalities occurring during the screening exercise. Candidates are advised to arrive in good health and be physically prepared.
Benefits of Joining the Nigerian Army Through 91RRI
Enlisting through the 91RRI offers several tangible career and personal benefits, including:
- Career stability and progression with clearly defined promotion criteria
- Enhanced and regular pay with competitive allowances
- Access to continuous military education and specialized training, both within and outside Nigeria
- Access to military healthcare for soldiers and their families
- Housing and welfare support through Nigerian Army Barracks and welfare schemes
- Opportunity to serve and protect the nation with pride and honour
Important Warnings: Beware of Fraudsters
The Nigerian Army has repeatedly warned that the 91RRI recruitment exercise is completely free. There is absolutely no fee for the application form, shortlist access, or securing a “slot.” Anyone who demands payment to help secure an Army recruitment spot is a fraudster and should be reported immediately.
Apply or check your shortlist only via the official portal: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng. Do not use unofficial websites, agents, or social media handles claiming to offer guaranteed placements.
Common Reasons Candidates Are Not Shortlisted
If your name does not appear on the 91RRI shortlist, here are the most common reasons why:
- Not meeting the minimum WAEC/NECO credit requirements (at least 4 credits including English)
- Inconsistency between NIN and BVN details (names or dates of birth do not match)
- Applying outside your state of origin
- Exceeding the age limit (above 22 for Non-Tradesmen, above 26 for Tradesmen)
- Being married at the time of application
- Submitting an incomplete application or failing to submit online after printing the Photo Card
The Nigerian Army does not send rejection notifications. If you are not shortlisted, you are encouraged to apply again during the next RRI intake when the portal reopens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Nigerian Army 91RRI shortlist for 2026 out?
A: Yes, the shortlist is officially out. Visit https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/drm to check your name and download the PDF for your state.
Q: When is the 91RRI screening date?
A: The screening exercise runs from June 9 to June 23, 2026, across all 36 states and the FCT.
Q: Where will the screening take place?
A: Screening takes place at designated military barracks and cantonments in each candidate’s state of origin — not the state of residence.
Q: Is there a CBT test before screening?
A: No. There is no pre-selection Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the 91RRI recruitment. The physical and document screening at state level is the primary filter.
Q: Is the application free?
A: Yes, the Nigerian Army 91RRI application is completely free. Do not pay anyone for assistance.
Q: What is the official recruitment portal?
A: The official portal is https://recruitment.army.mil.ng.
Q: I was not shortlisted. Can I apply again?
A: Yes. You can apply again when the portal opens for the next RRI intake. You may also consider other armed forces recruitments such as the Nigerian Navy Recruitment 2026 or Nigerian Air Force Recruitment 2026.
Q: What contact numbers can I call for inquiries?
A: You may contact the Nigerian Army recruitment helpline on 07036499094 or 09041116433.
Tips for Success at the 91RRI Screening Exercise
- Arrive early — Aim to be at your screening center at least one hour before the official start time.
- Organise all documents in a file jacket the night before to avoid last-minute panic.
- Wear appropriate attire — Dress neatly and presentably, as military recruiters observe candidate appearance and conduct.
- Do not bring electronic devices such as phones, tablets, or cameras to the venue.
- Ensure all documents are original — Do not attempt to submit photocopies where originals are required.
- Stay calm and confident during physical fitness assessments and oral interactions.
- Report to the correct state center — Going to the wrong center means automatic disqualification.
- Avoid anyone who promises to help you “secure” a slot in exchange for money, they are fraudsters.
Lastly
The Nigerian Army 91RRI Shortlisted Candidates 2026 list is out, and the screening exercise is scheduled to run from June 9 to June 23, 2026, across all 36 states and the FCT. If you applied for the 91st Regular Recruits Intake before the May 17 deadline, visit https://recruitment.army.mil.ng/drm now to check your name and download the PDF for your state.
Make sure you have all required documents ready, report to your state of origin’s designated screening center, and comply with all Nigerian Army guidelines to give yourself the best chance of success. The Nigerian Army strongly warns against any form of payment or fraudulent dealings, the entire process is free.
- Official Portal: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng