The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced online registration for its Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026 recruitment exercise, opening an opportunity for eligible Nigerians seeking to join the force as airmen and airwomen.
Registration for the exercise begins on Thursday, September 3, 2026, according to an announcement by the Nigerian Air Force.
The recruitment covers two major categories: Non-Tradesmen and Women and Tradesmen and Women.
NAF recruitment portal
Applicants have been advised to complete their applications only through the official Nigerian Air Force recruitment portal.
The designated platform for the exercise is nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng.
The NAF warned prospective applicants to rely on information published through its official communication channels and recruitment portal, particularly as requirements for the 2026 exercise may differ from those of previous recruitment exercises.
Applicants are also expected to print the documents generated after successfully submitting their applications.
Who can apply for the NAF recruitment?
The BMTC recruitment is separate from the Nigerian Air Force’s Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), which provides a different entry route for graduate officers.
While the final eligibility requirements for BMTC 47/2026 are expected to be contained in the official recruitment guidelines, previous NAF basic military training exercises have generally required applicants to meet conditions relating to citizenship, age, marital status, education and physical fitness.
Applicants in previous exercises were generally required to be Nigerian citizens by birth, single, medically and physically fit, and free from criminal convictions.
A valid National Identification Number (NIN) has also typically been required.
Requirements for non-trades applicants
For non-trades positions, previous recruitment exercises generally required candidates to be between 18 and 22 years old.
Applicants were also typically required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in relevant secondary school examinations.
However, candidates should not rely solely on previous requirements. The NAF has advised prospective applicants to wait for and follow the official guidelines for BMTC 47/2026.
Requirements for trades applicants
Candidates applying under the trades category may need additional qualifications depending on the position they are seeking.
Previous recruitment exercises have accepted credentials such as National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), trade test certificates and other recognised qualifications.
The specific qualifications required may vary according to the trade or position available under the 2026 recruitment exercise.
NAF warns applicants against fraud
The Nigerian Air Force has again warned prospective recruits against individuals who claim they can influence the recruitment process.
The application is free, and applicants do not need an agent, intermediary or third party to submit their applications.
The NAF has cautioned candidates against paying money to anyone promising to secure shortlisting, recruitment or placement.
Applicants should therefore avoid unofficial websites, social media accounts or individuals requesting payment in exchange for recruitment assistance.
What applicants should do
Prospective candidates should complete their applications through the official NAF recruitment platform and carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting their forms.
After submission, applicants should print all documents generated by the portal and keep them safely for subsequent stages of the recruitment process.
Information concerning shortlisting, aptitude tests, interviews and other stages of the exercise will be communicated through official NAF channels.
Candidates should also note that the recruitment portal may previously have displayed a message indicating that no recruitment exercise was ongoing. The status is expected to change once the 2026 registration officially opens.
The NAF has urged applicants to remain alert and rely on official sources throughout the recruitment process to avoid falling victim to recruitment scams.
