The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has announced that online registration for its Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026 recruitment exercise will commence on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The announcement was made through the NAF’s official communication channels on Wednesday, with prospective applicants advised to use only the designated recruitment portal for the exercise.
The recruitment is open to Airmen and Airwomen under two categories: Non-Tradesmen and Women and Tradesmen and Women. The exercise does not cover the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) recruitment, which is a separate entry route for graduate officers.
The NAF urged applicants to await the release of the official guidelines for the 47/2026 exercise before applying, noting that eligibility requirements, available trades and other conditions may differ from previous recruitment exercises.
Applicants are expected to complete their registration online through the official portal and print all documents generated after submitting their applications.
In previous BMTC recruitment exercises, applicants were generally required to be Nigerian citizens by birth, single, medically and physically fit, free from criminal convictions and in possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
Non-trades applicants have typically been required to fall within the 18–22 age bracket and possess at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in relevant secondary school examinations. Trades applicants may also be required to possess additional qualifications such as a National Diploma, Nigeria Certificate in Education, trade test certificate or other recognised credentials, depending on the position.
However, the NAF has advised prospective applicants not to rely on previous requirements and to follow only the official guidelines released for the 47/2026 exercise.
The force also warned applicants against fraudsters and individuals claiming to have connections within the recruitment process.
According to the NAF, the application is completely free, and no agents or intermediaries have been authorised to collect money or guarantee recruitment, shortlisting or placement.
Prospective applicants have therefore been advised to rely solely on the official NAF recruitment portal and verified NAF communication channels for information regarding the application process, shortlisting, aptitude tests and interviews.
The recruitment portal may continue to indicate that no recruitment exercise is ongoing until the application window officially opens on September 3.