The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will commence online registration for its Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 47/2026 recruitment exercise on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
The recruitment exercise is open to prospective Airmen and Airwomen under two categories: Non-Tradesmen and Women and Tradesmen and Women.
NAF announced the commencement date through its official social media account on Wednesday as preparations for the latest recruitment exercise gathered pace.
The force clarified that the BMTC 47/2026 exercise is separate from the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) recruitment programme, which is an entry route for graduate officers.
It also advised prospective applicants to wait for the official recruitment guidelines before submitting their applications.
NAF said requirements for eligibility, available trades and other conditions may differ from those of previous BMTC recruitment exercises.
In previous BMTC recruitment exercises, applicants have generally been required to be Nigerian citizens by birth, single, medically and physically fit and without criminal convictions.
A valid National Identification Number (NIN) has also typically been required.
For non-trades positions, previous recruitment exercises generally set the age requirement at 18 to 22 years and required applicants to possess at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in relevant secondary school examinations.
Applicants seeking trades positions have typically needed additional qualifications depending on the specific trade.
Such qualifications have included a National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), trade test certificates and other recognised credentials.
However, NAF stressed the importance of checking the official BMTC 47/2026 guidelines rather than relying solely on requirements from previous recruitment exercises.
Applicants are expected to complete their applications through the official NAF recruitment portal and print all documents generated after successfully submitting their applications.
The force also issued a warning against fraudsters seeking to exploit the recruitment exercise.
According to NAF, the application process is completely free, and the force does not appoint agents or intermediaries to facilitate recruitment.
Prospective recruits were therefore advised not to pay individuals who claim they can influence their applications, shortlisting, aptitude tests, interviews or final selection.
NAF urged applicants to rely exclusively on information published through its official recruitment portal and authorised communication channels for updates on the BMTC 47/2026 exercise, including shortlisting, aptitude tests and interviews.
The recruitment exercise provides an opportunity for eligible Nigerians seeking to join the Nigerian Air Force as Airmen or Airwomen, but applicants are expected to follow the official guidelines and application procedures when registration opens.
