The jury is still out on the Nigerian Army. Many Nigerians know it as a body that has done more harm than good for the people it was sworn to protect.
The Nigerian Army has been accused of war crimes such as torture, rape and killing civilians, even while fighting the Boko Haram insurgency.
But it isn’t always been bad news regarding the army.
In November 2022, for instance, the Nigerian Army said it killed over 50 terrorists in North East and North West Nigeria and rescued 864 kidnap victims.
Which, frankly, doesn’t sound bad at all.
If you’re reading this and would like to join the Nigerian Army, here are some of the essential requirements that you need to know:
You must be a Nigerian.
According to Section 29 of the Nigerian Constitution, a Nigerian is born in Nigeria, whose parents were also held in Nigeria, and belongs to an indigenous group. If you don’t meet this, there is no army for you.
No children or teenagers allowed
Only adults from ages 22-28 are eligible to join the army.
Must be a certain height
Specifically, this is 1.68m (Male) and 1.65m (female).
Criminals are not eligible.
Anyone convicted in a court of law shouldn’t be part of an organisation that fights terrorism and saves lives.
Must be educated and completed NYSC
One must possess a minimum of first or not less than second class lower division from a recognised university. A HND from a recognised polytechnic and lower credit is also acknowledged.
The individual must also finish the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program. This is a scheme set up by the Nigerian government since the end of the Civil War. Its purpose is to involve Nigerian graduates in nation-building.
Must show proof of identity
This includes a valid birth certificate, certificate of state of origin, and recommendations from two recognised referees who must attest to your character and Integrity.
How does one apply?
Now that you know what it takes to be a soldier in the Nigerian Army, what are the next steps?
You can visit www.recruitment.army.mil.ng and click on DSSC and SSC whenever applications are open. These will be announced on radio, newspapers and television.
