Nigerian Army Recruitment 2025: See the 89RRI Shortlisted Names & Requirements

 

Na so the gbedu dey burst for headlines — the Nigerian Army don release the shortlist for the 89 Regular Recruit Intake (89RRI) for 2025. If you applied, na now to check whether your name dey the list and prepare well for screening. For this post, we go break down who made the shortlist, when and where screening go happen, as well as everything you must carry so you no miss out.

As a journalist for NaijaScene.com, working under our Nigerian News and Gossip section, I’ve gathered verified details, social media reactions, and expert tips to help you navigate this important phase. Whether you’re a hopeful recruit or supporting someone, read on — I go explain in Naija pidgin and plain English, make e make sense.

What Is the 89RRI & Why the Shortlist Matters

First, make we talk about 89RRI. This acronym stands for the 89th Regular Recruit Intake of the Nigerian Army. This is a recruitment exercise for both tradesmen and non-tradesmen (men and women) where people apply to join as regular soldiers. The shortlist is the official list of those who passed the initial application checks and have been invited to screening. 

Why e matter? Because once you dey shortlisted:

• You go report for screening — medical, physical, educational verification. 

• Screening na state-level, which means you don’t need travel far beyond your state of origin. 

• No pre-selection test: There’ll be no computer-based test (CBT). 

• If you miss screening or bring wrong documents, you risk being disqualified.

So, making the shortlist is a major first step, but the real work don start.

How to Check If You Are Shortlisted

To know whether your name dey the Nigerian Army 89RRI shortlisted candidates list, follow these steps:

1. Go to the official Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng 

2. On the portal, click on the “Shortlisted Candidates” tab. recruitmentforum.com.ng+1

3. Choose your state of origin from the dropdown menu — this is very important because the screening list is state-specific. 

4. You fit download a PDF file for your state, then search (Ctrl+F) for your name or application number. recruitmentforum.com.ng+1

5. Print the page or screenshot your name — you go need proof when you report for screening. recruitmentforum.com.ng

If the portal no load — no panic. Servers fit congest well, especially just after shortlist release. Try again later, or use a stable data connection. Make sure say you access the official site, no third-party fake page, to avoid scams.

Screening Dates & Location: Key Information

According to multiple reputable sources, including Legit.ng, AllMedia24, and Recruitment Forum, here’s the breakdown for the 89RRI screening exercise:

• Screening Period: 2 June to 16 June, 2025. 

• Where Screening Happens: Each shortlisted candidate reports to a screening center in their state of origin. 

• No Zonal or Special Centres: There won’t be any special screening centres or zonal screening — everything is done at the state level. 

There are some alternate reports (for example, PSecond) that mention 8 June – 21 June, 2025 for screening.  But the widely accepted schedule remains 2–16 June, as stated on more than one reliable source. 

Therefore, if you are shortlisted, mark your calendar from 2nd June, and plan to be in your state of origin for the screening.

What to Bring to the Screening — Requirements & Documents

As e be say this screening no play, the Nigerian Army don give clear instructions on what candidates must carry. Below is a detailed list plus some cultural/regiment advice:

Required Documents:

• Original educational certificates (WAEC, NECO, GCE, or equivalents) + photocopies. 

• Birth certificate or some recognized age declaration document. 

• Certificate of State of Origin / Local Government. 

• Identification document: Valid ID like National ID, Voter’s Card, or Driver’s License. 

• Completed Guarantor’s Form (you likely filled this during application). recruitmentforum.com.ng

• A printed application acknowledgment slip / confirmation page from when you applied. recruitmentforum.com.ng

• Recent passport photographs: At least two. recruitmentforum.com.ng

• NIN slip and BVN printout — you must have them. 

• Two (2) pairs of white shorts and plain white T-shirt (for fitness / physical test). recruitmentforum.com.ng

• Writing materials: Pen, pencil, file to keep your papers neat. recruitmentforum.com.ng

Dress Code & Behavior Rules:

• Wear plain white T-shirt + white shorts for the physical test. recruitmentforum.com.ng

• No electronic gadgets: Phones, cameras, recorders are not allowed at the screening venue. 

• No tattoos or inscriptions on your body (except tribal marks). 

• If you belong to any secret cult / fraternity, you are disqualified. 

• Female candidates: If you have multiple ear piercings, na tat disqualify you. 

• Do not pay bribe: Recruitment na free thing — no part payment allowed. 

Health & Fitness:

• Prepare for a medical screening: Make sure you are medically, physically, and mentally fit. 

• Expect a physical fitness test: height checks, running or stamina test, etc. 

Potential Disqualification Triggers — Things to Watch Out For

Even if you make the shortlist, no guarantee say you go pass screening. Some common disqualification reasons include:

• Missing or fake documents: If your certificates no correct or they fake them, you go chop red card. 

• Altered application: If na different name or credentials you put when applying — big problem. 

• Recording device: Bringing phone or camera go disqualify you. 

• Tattoos / body piercings: As stated, tattoos (except tribal marks) or ink inscriptions disqualify. 

• Belonging to cult or society: Na automatic fail. 

• Not turning up on screening date or at state center: If you no show, dem go drop you. 

• Arriving late or without required attire: Fitness test dey, so no slack.

• Impersonation or giving false guarantor or referee: Very serious.

What Happens After Screening — Next Phase

Okay, you show up for screening, everything pass well — wahala still no finish. Here’s what likely happens next, based on past recruitment rounds and expert commentary:

1. Verification & Fitness Check: During screening, your documents go be verified, fitness tests go happen, and medical checks go run.

2. Shortlist for Training: After screening, the Army go pick those they feel fit to continue — likely those with good physical and medical results.

3. Basic Military Training: Selected candidates go be sent to Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria (or other Army training center) for basic military training. 

4. Issuance of Military Identity / Kit: New recruits go receive the uniform, ID, and training schedule.

5. Deployment or Further Assignment: After training, you go be assigned to a regiment / unit depending on trade, performance, and need.

Social Media & Public Reaction

As soon as the shortlist drop, Naija Twitter (X), Facebook, Instagram, and even WhatsApp groups blow up. Some reactions I gather:

• From Legit.ng’s report:

  “Congrats to the successful candidates of 89RRI! 🇳🇬 Time to serve with pride and discipline.” 

• Another social media user chain:

  “Even Edo State wey say dem no dey go Army over 1000 shortlisted. Na only online Una dey make mouth.” 

• Some sceptics:

  “So people are still applying for Nigerian Army 😂🤣😂😂” — but that one na typical social commentary.

From personal observation (journalist’s view), many young Nigerians celebrate because this is a big chance: steady job, serving country, and disciplined life. On the other hand, some parents dey anxious — because screening means they must prepare money, travel locally, and make sure candidate no fall for fraudsters.

Expert & Analyst Insights

As a seasoned entertainment / culture writer who also follows national trends closely, I think this recruitment exercise dey significant beyond just enlisting new soldiers:

1. Strengthening National Security: Nigeria’s security challenges demand more manpower. New recruits mean fresh blood.

2. Youth Opportunity: For many young Nigerians, joining the Army is not only about serving but also about job stability, career pathway, and structure.

3. Transparency & Decentralization: By doing screening at state of origin, the Army reduces corruption and centralization. This policy shift is good for fairness.

4. Risks Remain: Despite good processes, risk of fraudsters is real. Fake portals, fake emails, and fake recruiters na problem. Candidates must only trust official Army recruitment website.

5. Health & Safety: Medical and fitness screening ensures only physically capable individuals go through. But this also means high drop-out rate. So, many shortlisted may not finish.

Real Tips from Someone Who “Dey Watch” (Me)

As someone wey don dey follow this thing well, I want drop some practical advice for shortlisted candidates:

• Prepare Early: Don’t wait till May or June to gather your documents. Gather WAEC, NECO, birth certificate, guarantor forms now.

• Verify Everything: Check your names, certificate dates, and details. Any mismatch fit drag you.

• Travel Smart: Since screening na in your state of origin, plan your trip ahead — where you go stay, how to get there, transport cost.

• Health First: Do basic fitness prep: jogging, push-ups, maybe visit a doctor. Don’t go weak during medical screening.

• Mind Scams: No pay anyone for “guarantee placement.” Recruitment is free. Use the official portal and trusted sources only.

• Network: Join WhatsApp / Telegram groups of other shortlisted candidates. Share experiences, advice, and updates.

• Attitude Matters: Show up respectful, disciplined, and ready to learn. Army values discipline, so your behavior go count.

Comparing With Other Intake (90RRI) — What’s New

Interestingly, while people dey talk about 89RRI, the 90RRI is also trending. According to Nigeriastartupact, the Army has released the 90RRI shortlist too. 

Here are some similarities and differences:

Feature	89RRI	90RRI
Shortlist Released	Yes, for 2025 intake	Yes, recently also published
Screening Date (as announced)	2–16 June 2025	Reported December 4–17, 2025
Location of Screening	State of Origin only (no zonal) .	Also in state of origin, no zonal center
Prohibited Items	No electronic devices, tattoos disallowed	Same restrictions (phones, recording, tattoos)
Document Requirements	NIN slip, BVN, original certificates	Same NIN, BVN, certificates required

So, if you no make 89RRI shortlist, or you prefer a later intake, you fit consider 90RRI — but make sure you follow correct portal, dates, and instructions.

Risk & Concern: Fraudsters & Scams

As a writer wey dey cautious, I must highlight big red flags for fraud during this recruitment:

1. Fake Recruitment Sites: Some scammers will set up look-alike sites asking for money. Only use recruitment.army.mil.ng.

2. Phony Agents: If someone says “I fit guarantee you shortlisting for ₦X,” shake body. Recruitment is free. 

3. Fake Lists: Beware of PDFs or “shortlist” lists shared on random WhatsApp or Telegram groups — always cross-check with the official portal.

4. Document Forgery: Some people may ask you to “process certificate fast” – na scam. Use legitimate means to get your documents.

5. Corrupt Screening Centers: If someone demands payment at the screening center, na red alert. Report immediately.

Why This Is Big News for Nigeria

From NaijaScene.com perspective, this shortlist and screening exercise matter more than just recruitment:

• It shows institutional trust: The Army is allowing state-based screening, which promotes transparency.

• It affects youth employment: Many young Nigerians dey look for stable, respectful jobs. The Army is a major employer.

• It’s part of national security architecture: With more recruits, the Nigerian Army strengthen its capacity to manage security challenges.

• It’s social mobility: For many, joining the Army is a route to education, discipline, and opportunity.

• It’s a test of governance: How well the shortlist and screening go run reflect on how Nigeria handles major public recruitment exercises.

Potential Challenges & Criticisms

No be everything go sweet; there are some possible downsides or criticisms:

• Logistics: Screening all shortlisted candidates across 36 states + FCT is a massive logistical task. Some states may face overcrowding or resource constraints.

• Health Risk: Not everyone shortlisted go pass medical or physical test. High drop-out rate possible.

• Corruption Risk: Even with good rules, possibility of bribery or favoritism can’t be fully eliminated.

• Disability / Diversity: The screening rules (like no tattoos) might exclude some people unfairly; also, how inclusive is the process for people with disabilities?

• Post-Screening Support: Even after training, how many of these recruits will get good deployment, good welfare, or career progression? Recruitment is just the first step.

How to Stay Updated & Verified

If you dey follow this recruitment closely, these are some reliable channels to stay updated:

1. Official Website: recruitment.army.mil.ng — Always check here for list, updates, and PDF downloads.

2. Official Social Media: Follow @HQNigerianArmy (on X / Twitter) for announcements.

3. Call Helplines: The Army recruitment lines: 193, 07036499094, 09041116433. 

4. Local News Sites: Use trusted Nigerian media (Legit.ng, etc.) for analysis and clarifications.

5. Candidate Groups: Join trusted WhatsApp / Telegram forums for shortlisted 89RRI candidates — but always verify any “tips” or “shortlist PDFs” via the official portal.

6. Stay Organized: Keep your documents in one file, track any portal changes, and don’t rely solely on hearsay.

ALSO READ: Why Nigeria’s food-inflation headlines aren’t telling the full story in 2025 – daily Nigerian news updates

My Final Thoughts & Commentary

As your NaijaScene.com entertainment / culture journalist, I must say: this 89RRI shortlist release is more than a recruitment story — e be symbol of hope, opportunity, and responsibility. Many young Nigerians see the Army as a lifeline, a way to contribute to nation-building, and a path to personal growth.

But it also tests our institutions: Can the Nigerian Army handle such a big exercise transparently? Will the screening be fair, efficient, and safe? Will the promises of training and future deployment deliver real value to recruits and their families?

For every candidate wey dey rejoice, there must also be caution: prepare well, verify always, and don’t fall for scammy shortcuts. As Cameroon and other African nations dey build up their military capacity, Nigeria must do same — but not by compromising integrity.

Wetin you think about this matter? Drop your thoughts for comment section! Are you shortlisted? How you dey prepare? Share your story — this community dey with you.

Conclusion

• The Nigerian Army 89RRI shortlist for 2025 has officially dropped.

• Screening is scheduled 2–16 June, 2025, in candidates’ state of origin.

• Bring all required documents (education certificates, NIN, BVN, guarantor form, photos, etc.), and follow strict dress & behavior rules.

• Avoid fraud: use only the official recruitment portal, never pay unauthorized agents.

• After screening, candidates may go training, then basic military life.

• Stay plugged in via the official Army portal, social media, and trusted news sources.

This recruitment is a major opportunity — but also a serious process. Make sure you dey ready, dey informed, and dey vigilant.

#NigerianArmy #89RRI #ArmyRecruitment #NigeriaNews #ShortlistedCandidates #Recruitment2025 #MilitaryScreening #ServeNigeria #ArmyIntake #StateScreening

• For broader context on national affairs and recent stories: check our Nigeria News and Gossip: The Untold Stories Shaping 2025

• For daily headlines in Nigeria: read Nigerian news and gossip – latest updates