The Nigerian Army remains one of the most respected institutions in Nigeria, tasked with defending the territorial integrity of the nation and maintaining peace within and beyond its borders. Every year, thousands of young Nigerians aspire to join its ranks through the Regular Recruit Intake (RRI). The 90th Regular Recruit Intake (90RRI) is one of the most anticipated recruitment exercises because it offers opportunities for citizens with SSCE, ND, or NCE qualifications to serve in the Army as tradesmen or non-tradesmen.
For applicants who have successfully applied and are awaiting the next stage, the screening date and recruitment centers are very crucial pieces of information. Without attending the screening exercise, no applicant can progress in the recruitment process. In this article, we will explain in detail what the 90RRI screening is all about, the importance of recruitment centers, what candidates should expect, and how best to prepare.
Understanding the 90RRI Recruitment
The Regular Recruit Intake (RRI) is a periodic recruitment exercise conducted by the Nigerian Army to bring in new soldiers. Unlike the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) that focus on graduates, the RRI is specifically designed for ordinary Nigerians with basic educational qualifications.
The 90RRI stands for the 90th batch of this intake process. Each batch is numbered sequentially, which means thousands of Nigerians have passed through earlier intakes before now. The 90RRI gives applicants from different states of the federation an equal opportunity to join the Army, provided they meet the requirements.
Importance of the Screening Exercise
The Nigerian Army places great emphasis on the screening exercise because it is the stage where candidates are physically, medically, and mentally assessed. While the online application filters applicants based on documents and qualifications, the physical screening is where authenticity and suitability are truly tested.
The main objectives of the screening exercise are:
- Verification of Credentials – To confirm that all certificates and documents submitted online are genuine.
- Physical Fitness Test – To check that candidates meet the Army’s height, chest measurement, and physical endurance standards.
- Medical Examination – To ensure that candidates are free from communicable diseases and fit for military training.
- Discipline and Orderliness – To assess how candidates conduct themselves in a regimented environment.
Without passing the screening stage, no candidate can move forward to the final training stage at the Nigerian Army Depot in Zaria.
Screening Date for Nigerian Army 90RRI
Although the exact date is usually announced officially by the Nigerian Army, it is important to understand that the screening normally takes place a few weeks after the application portal closes. The Army always sets a uniform screening period across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Typically, candidates are given a clear date range (for example, one or two weeks) to report at their designated centers. Reporting late usually leads to automatic disqualification. Therefore, applicants must constantly keep their printed acknowledgment slips safe and follow instructions regarding the date.
The screening is not conducted online but physically at the designated centers across Nigeria.
Recruitment Centers for Nigerian Army 90RRI
Recruitment centers are spread across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Each state usually has one designated location, mostly at military barracks or Army divisions. This ensures that candidates do not need to travel far outside their state of origin for the screening exercise.
Below are the recruitment centers :
Nigerian Army 90RRI Recruitment Centers by State
Below is a table showing likely recruitment centers (Army barracks) across the 36 states and the FCT:
| State | Recruitment Center (Army Barracks) |
|---|---|
| Abia | Ohafia Barracks (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks) |
| Adamawa | Gibson Jalo Cantonment, Yola |
| Akwa Ibom | Wellington Bassey Barracks, Ibagwa |
| Anambra | Onitsha Military Cantonment |
| Bauchi | Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi |
| Bayelsa | Elebele Military Cantonment, Yenagoa |
| Benue | NASME Barracks, Makurdi |
| Borno | Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri |
| Cross River | Eburutu Barracks, Calabar |
| Delta | Effurun Barracks, Warri |
| Ebonyi | Nkwegu Military Cantonment, Abakaliki |
| Edo | Ekenwan Barracks, Benin City |
| Ekiti | Owode Cantonment, Ado-Ekiti |
| Enugu | Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu |
| FCT (Abuja) | Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja |
| Gombe | Gombe Barracks (Tula Area) |
| Imo | Obinze Barracks, Owerri |
| Jigawa | Dutse Military Cantonment |
| Kaduna | Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna |
| Kano | Bukavu Barracks, Kano |
| Katsina | Natsinta Barracks, Katsina |
| Kebbi | Birnin Kebbi Barracks |
| Kogi | Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja |
| Kwara | Sobi Barracks, Ilorin |
| Lagos | Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos |
| Nasarawa | Keffi Barracks |
| Niger | Minna Military Cantonment |
| Ogun | Alamala Barracks, Abeokuta |
| Ondo | Okitipupa Military Barracks |
| Osun | Ede Barracks, Osun State |
| Oyo | Odogbo Barracks, Ibadan |
| Plateau | Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba (Jos) |
| Rivers | Bori Camp, Port Harcourt |
| Sokoto | Giginya Barracks, Sokoto |
| Taraba | Jalingo Barracks |
| Yobe | Nguru Military Cantonment |
| Zamfara | Gusau Barracks |
Important Note
While the above table shows the common Army barracks in each state, the Nigerian Army sometimes changes or updates recruitment centers for organizational reasons. Candidates must always confirm the exact location from their shortlist notice and acknowledgment slip.
Every candidate is expected to attend the recruitment center in their state of origin or state of residence, depending on instructions. Attending the wrong center can lead to disqualification.
What to Take to the Screening Center
When reporting for the 90RRI screening, candidates are usually required to come along with specific items. These include:
- Acknowledgment Slip – Printed after completing the online application.
- Educational Certificates – Original copies of WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, ND, or NCE certificates.
- Birth Certificate or Age Declaration – To confirm age eligibility.
- Certificate of Origin – Issued by the local government.
- Valid Identification Card – Such as voter’s card, NIN slip, or international passport.
- White Sportswear – White T-shirt, blue shorts, white canvas, and white socks for physical fitness tests.
- Writing Materials – Pen and file jacket to keep documents organized.
Applicants are also expected to be neat, disciplined, and present themselves with dignity.
Common Activities During Screening
The Nigerian Army screening is usually rigorous but straightforward. Some of the common activities candidates will go through include:
- Document Verification: Officials go through certificates one after another to confirm authenticity.
- Height and Chest Measurement: Every candidate is measured to check if they meet the minimum height requirements (1.65m for males and 1.62m for females).
- Physical Fitness Test: Candidates are often asked to run, perform push-ups, or demonstrate basic stamina.
- Medical Screening: Blood pressure, eyesight, and general health status are checked.
- Interview/Assessment: In some centers, brief interactions are conducted to evaluate discipline and communication.
Tips for Success at the Screening
To stand out during the 90RRI screening, applicants should keep the following tips in mind:
- Arrive Early – Reporting late may cost you the opportunity. Arrive at least a day before the screening begins.
- Organize Your Documents – Place all original and photocopies in a neat file jacket.
- Stay Fit – Practice jogging and light exercises before the screening date.
- Follow Instructions Strictly – Discipline is highly valued by the Army.
- Avoid Malpractice – Never use forged certificates; the Army has strict verification processes.
After the Screening
Candidates who scale through the screening exercise are shortlisted for the next stage, which usually involves final selection and movement to the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria, for intensive military training. Training at the Depot transforms recruits into soldiers, ready to serve the nation.
Those who are not selected should not be discouraged. The Army conducts recruitment periodically, and there are always new opportunities in future intakes.
Challenges of the Screening Stage
While many candidates look forward to the screening, there are common challenges that applicants should prepare for:
- Large Crowds: Thousands of applicants gather at each center.
- Stress and Fatigue: Standing for long hours and undergoing rigorous checks.
- Strict Rules: Any form of indiscipline can lead to disqualification.
- Limited Slots: Only a fraction of applicants will be selected, so competition is very high.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Army 90RRI screening date and recruitment centers are vital to every applicant’s success in the recruitment process. Without attending the screening, even the best online application will not count. Applicants should pay close attention to official instructions, prepare all documents, keep fit, and arrive early at their designated centers.
The journey to becoming a soldier is not an easy one, but with determination, discipline, and preparation, candidates can increase their chances of success. Serving in the Nigerian Army is more than a career. It is a call to defend the nation and uphold its integrity.
