To complete Nigeria Army documentation, shortlisted candidates must bring their original birth certificate or age declaration, local government certificate, BVN printout, guarantor form, school certificates, passport photographs, NIN slip, and application slip from the portal. All documents must be complete, original, and accurate. Candidates must also meet the age, height, and fitness requirements during physical screening. The official portal is www.recruitment.army.mil.ng.
When my younger brother applied for the Nigerian Army last year, we didn’t know that the real stress would start after the shortlist came out. He was excited, thinking that once his name showed, everything was set. But when it came to documentation and screening, we almost gave up. One mistake in a document could send someone back home. That day, I saw over 50 people sent away at the screening centre in Kaduna — all because of small issues like wrong date of birth, missing local government certificate, or wrong passport size.
That experience taught us a big lesson: passing the physical exam is not enough — your documents must be correct, complete, and ready. That’s why I’m writing this, so others can avoid those mistakes.
What Is Nigeria Army Documentation?
Nigeria Army documentation is the stage where shortlisted candidates bring all their original documents to be checked by army officials. This usually comes after you have passed the physical screening and your name appears in the final list. It is part of the final recruitment steps before going for full training.
At the documentation centre, they will collect copies of your documents, check if they match your online details, and confirm if you truly qualified.
If anything is missing or wrong, they will disqualify you immediately.
What Documents Are Needed for Nigeria Army Recruitment?
You must go with both original and photocopies of all documents. If you miss even one important paper, you may be sent home.
Here is the full list of documents you must bring:
Original Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
Original Certificate of Origin (Local Government Identification Letter)
BVN Printout (from your bank)
Guarantor Forms (signed by proper persons like local government chairman, police officer not below CSP rank, military officer, etc.)
Primary School Leaving Certificate
Senior Secondary School Certificate (WAEC, NECO, GCE)
National Identity Card or NIN Slip
Passport Photographs (White background, recent, about 8 copies)
Printed Application Slip from the Army portal
Medical Report (if required)
Some centres also ask for COVID-19 vaccination cards, so go with it if you have one.
Tip: Put all your documents in a clear plastic file or brown envelope. Arrange them properly.
What Are the Requirements for Nigeria Army Screening?
Before you even reach the documentation stage, you must have passed the physical screening and medical checks. Here are the main things they look at:
Age: Between 18 and 22 years for non-tradesmen, 18 to 26 for tradesmen
Height: Minimum of 1.68m for male, 1.62m for female
Fitness: You must be physically fit, able to do pushups, squats, and run
Health: No long-term illness, no tattoos, no body defects
You must also not be a member of any secret cult or society.
What Documents Does the Army Need?
Let’s repeat the most important documents again because many people make mistakes here:
Go with original and photocopies (at least 2 or 3 copies)
Make sure the names on all your documents match. If your WAEC result says “Abubakar M. Sadiq” and your NIN says “Abubakar Musa Sadiq,” fix it early
If there is any name difference, carry an affidavit from court
How Do I Check My Army Documents Before Going?
Use this checklist:
Go to a cyber café with experience in army recruitment
Cross-check your portal registration slip and documents
Confirm your BVN printout has your correct full name
Confirm all your certificates are clear and readable
Check that your passport photo is recent and not more than 6 months old
It’s better to over-prepare than be disqualified at the gate.
Where Are Army Records Held?
Once you are successfully documented, your file will be kept in the military records department. During recruitment, the zonal centres like Lagos, Kaduna, Enugu, Bauchi, and others act as collection points. After that, your full file goes to Army Headquarters in Abuja or the Nigerian Army Depot, Zaria.
That is why your documents must be clean and correct — they become your official army record.
What Are the Requirements for Army Registration?
To register for the Nigerian Army recruitment online, you must meet these basic conditions:
Be a Nigerian citizen by birth
Have a minimum of 4 passes in WAEC/NECO/GCE
Be between 18 and 22 years (non-trades) or 26 years (trades)
Have no criminal record
Be medically and physically fit
Know how to read and write
You must register on the official portal and fill the form correctly. Any wrong detail can spoil your chance even before documentation.
Nigeria Army Recruitment Portal and How to Access the Form
The official portal is:
Steps to use it:
Open the site on your phone or computer
Click on the application link for the current intake
Fill your personal information correctly
Upload required documents like passport photo and birth certificate
Submit and print out your application slip
Note: The portal opens only when recruitment is ongoing. Always check official army social media handles for updates.
Things That Can Make You Fail Documentation
Even if you are fit and passed physical screening, you can still fail documentation if:
Your documents have different names
You bring photocopies without originals
You forget your BVN printout
You bring expired or old passport photo
You submit wrongly filled guarantor form
You lie about your age or certificate
One guy was sent back because his birth certificate and WAEC age didn’t match — just a 2-year difference. They told him to go and correct it and reapply next year.
How to Get the Nigeria Army Guarantor Form
The guarantor form is on the same recruitment website. After submitting your application, you will see the download button. Print it, take it to the right people, and let them fill and sign it.
Valid guarantors include:
Traditional Ruler
Local Government Chairman
Military Officer (Major and above)
Police Officer (CSP and above)
Civil Servant (Grade level 12 and above)
Use blue or black pen, and avoid corrections or tipex.
What Happens After Documentation?
If your documents are okay and you pass the screening, the army will:
Give you a confirmation slip
Assign you a training date and location
Take your fingerprints and photos
Issue a call-up letter for Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria
Once you report to training camp, your full journey as a soldier begins.
How Long Does Army Training Last After Documentation?
For non-tradesmen, training usually lasts 6 months. For tradesmen, it may be 9 months to 1 year because of special skill training.
During this period, you will go through:
Physical training (drills, obstacle course, running)
Weapon handling
Military laws and ethics
Discipline and combat readiness
Tips from Past Candidates
Here’s what some past recruits advised:
Don’t laminate your certificates — army wants to touch and feel them
Buy a plastic file with name tag to arrange your papers
Don’t borrow documents — they will catch you
Go to your screening centre early in the morning
Dress properly — plain trousers and shirt is okay
Respect the officers — no forming
Final Checklist Before You Travel for Documentation
Photocopies of all certificates (2 or 3 each)
Original certificates
Application slip
BVN printout
Guarantor form
Passport photographs
NIN slip
Power bank and phone charger
Small cash for food and transport
Valid ID card (NIN or voter’s card)
Common Questions People Ask About Nigeria Army Documentation
Can I use affidavit for my birth certificate?
Yes, but it must come from a high court.
Can I use statement of result?
Only if it is recent and from a recognized school.
Is it okay to combine WAEC and NECO?
Yes, as long as you have minimum of four passes.
What if I forget my NIN slip?
Go to NIMC centre and print another one.
Will I get full salary during training?
No. You will get a training allowance. Full salary starts after passing out.
Can I register without school certificate?
No. You must have at least primary and secondary school results.
What if I made a mistake during online registration?
You cannot change it once submitted. Be very careful when filling the form.
Final Advice…Nigeria Army Documentation
If you want to join the Nigerian Army, start preparing early. Don’t wait until your name comes out before arranging your documents.
Check every paper. Make sure your details are correct. Use the official portal only. Stay away from anyone asking you to pay for connection or help.
The process is free and fair. If your documents are clean and you follow the steps, you will have no problem.