Following the peacekeeping operation in Congo and Tanganyika (now Tanzania) in 1961, Nigerian troops had to be airlifted to and from the war zone by the Airforce of foreign nations, that was when Nigeria woke up to the call to establish its Airforce. The first recruitment was conducted in 1962 with 10 male cadets who were to train with the Ethiopian Air Force.

The Mandate of Nigerian Air Force (NAF)

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has the following key mandates:

Defense of Nigeria’s airspace: The primary function of the NAF is to protect the Nigerian airspace from any external threats. This includes deterring and repelling any form of aggression or intrusion into Nigerian airspace.
Air support to ground operations: The NAF provides air support to ground forces during military operations. This involves conducting airstrikes, reconnaissance missions, and providing close air support to troops on the ground.
National security: The NAF plays a crucial role in maintaining national security and safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity. It assists in combating various security challenges within the country, such as insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activities.
Humanitarian assistance and disaster response: The NAF is responsible for providing humanitarian assistance and participating in disaster response efforts. It assists in airlifting relief materials, evacuating affected individuals, and supporting rescue operations during natural disasters or emergencies.
Air power projection: The NAF aims to project Nigerian air power across the region and globally. It participates in international peacekeeping missions, joint military exercises, and collaborations with other air forces to strengthen regional and international security.
Training and capacity building: The NAF actively engages in training its personnel and building their capacity to enhance operational efficiency. It conducts various training programs, skill development courses, and exchanges with other air forces to keep its personnel well-trained and knowledgeable.

Careers in the Nigerian Air Force

There are 3 basic career paths to choose from in the Nigeria Air Force

Regular Combatant (RC)

This commission is open to young Nigerians between the age of 17 and 21. It includes 4 years of academic and military and 1 year of intensive training. At the end of the program, the applicant will get a degree certificate and will be promoted to the rank of Pilot Officer. The offer used to be open exclusively to males until 2011

Direct Short Service (DSS)

This commission is open to both serving officers and interested civilians who have degree certificates and are professionals in a particular field of study to participate in a 6-month program of intensive military training and the successful candidate is promoted to the rank of Flying Officer.

Basic Military Training Course (BMTC)

This is usually not more than a 6-month program for airmen and airwomen. This recruitment process only requires an Ordinary Level Certificate (O-Level), National Diploma, National Certificate of Education, and Trade Test Certificate. The age range of tradeswomen and tradesmen is between 18-25 and 18-22 for Non-Tradesmen/Tradeswomen.

Requirements for application to the Nigerian Air Force

Age: The applicant must be above 18 years and below 30 years old at the time of application except for the medical consultants who have an age range of 25-40.
Nationality: the applicant must be a citizen of Nigeria before he/she is qualified to apply
Height: the height of a male applicant must not be less than 165cm and a minimum of 163cm for females. The chest width requirements usually vary and will be updated once the form is out
Education Qualification: a minimum of second-class upper in first-degree or upper credit in HND is required by anyone to qualify for Direct Short Service only. An O-level certificate with a minimum of 5 credits including English Language and Mathematics.
Fitness: the applicants are expected to be medically fit when applying and the female applicant must not be pregnant at the time of application as candidates are expected to be single.
Additional Requirements: other forms required include a parent/guardian acknowledgment slip, local government attestation letter, and attestation from the police division that the applicant had no criminal record.

Application Process for the NAF Recruitment

To apply for the BMTC program, you must have a National Identification Number (NIN) a valid email address, and a phone number along with the other requirements earlier mentioned then proceed to the recruitment portal on the NAF website at www.nafrecruitment.airforce.mil.ng to apply.

It is essential to state that the NAF has debunked the rumors about the ongoing recruitment process. Keep following us on this site for updates about the NAF recruitment or visit the NAF official website (https://airforce.mil.ng)for more information.