NAF screens over 20,000 candidates as 2025 recruitment aptitude test begins Nationwide

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced the Zonal General Aptitude Test for the 2025 Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 46 Recruitment Exercise, with more than 20,000 applicants participating across the country.

The aptitude test is being conducted simultaneously at 15 designated zonal centres located in Sokoto, Minna, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Yola, Makurdi, Jos, Ilorin, Ipetu-Ijesa, Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt and Ikeja. The wide national spread of the exercise reflects the NAF’s commitment to inclusiveness, equal opportunity and a transparent, merit-based recruitment process that allows qualified Nigerians from all regions to compete fairly.

The Nigerian Air Force said the large turnout demonstrates sustained confidence among Nigerian youths in the Service as a disciplined, professional and patriotic institution. It also underscores the NAF’s determination to attract capable, motivated and resilient young Nigerians, particularly at a time when the nation’s security environment requires strengthened manpower to support internal security operations and national defence efforts.

Speaking on the ongoing exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed that the recruitment process is guided by fairness, integrity and strict adherence to established standards. He noted that merit remains the cornerstone of NAF recruitment, stressing that the quality of personnel is critical to operational effectiveness and the successful execution of the Service’s constitutional mandate.

Air Marshal Aneke further described the aptitude test as a key step in building a motivated and mission-ready force, while assuring Nigerians of the Nigerian Air Force’s continued commitment to supporting internal security operations and safeguarding lives and property across the country.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, and dated 14 December 2025.