.…As Army Chief Urges Delta Youths to Embrace 92 RRI Recruitment, Says Exercise Is Merit-Based
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as result-oriented innovations in Nigeria’s security architecture and improved remuneration for personnel of the Armed Forces.
The Governor spoke on Tuesday when he received the Nigerian Army 92 Regular Recruits Intake (92RRI) Awareness Creation Team from Army Headquarters, led by Brigadier General BU Ugbuji. He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
Oborevwori said the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the military through improved funding, equipment and welfare would enhance the capacity of the Armed Forces to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sustain the fight against insecurity.
He specifically commended President Tinubu for approving salary increases for Armed Forces personnel, describing the measure as an important boost to the morale and welfare of officers and soldiers. The increases, effective September 1, 2026, range from 30 to 80 per cent, depending on rank.
The Governor said Delta State had also recorded significant progress in upscaping of the enlistment and mobilization of young people for military and paramilitary careers following the inauguration of the State Awareness Creation Committee on Youth Enlistment into Military and Paramilitary Services, chaired by the Commissioner for Youth Development.
He assured that the state would intensify its mobilisation efforts to meet its current quota of 1,000 recruits. He also directed the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, to expand media publicity and sensitisation across the state.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, represented by Brigadier General BU Ugbuji, commended Governor Oborevwori for establishing the State Awareness Creation Committee to support the Nigerian Army’s recruitment sensitisation efforts.
Shaibu described Delta as the first state, to his knowledge, to establish a dedicated committee of this nature headed by a member of the State Executive Council. He urged eligible youths to take advantage of the ongoing 92RRI exercise, stressing that recruitment would be conducted strictly on merit and in accordance with the stipulated requirements.
The Chief of Army Staff’s representative disclosed that applications for the 92 RRI exercise would close on October 21, 2026. He advised qualified applicants to apply through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at https://recruit.army.mil.ng and warned that recruitment into the Army is free of charge.
For the regular trades and non-trades categories, applicants must be single Nigerian citizens by birth, possess valid National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) records with matching personal details, and be medically, physically and psychologically fit. Applicants must also have no criminal conviction and possess a valid certificate of state of origin.
Candidates must have at least four credits, including English Language, in not more than two sittings in WASSCE, GCE, NECO, NABTEB or NBAIS. Non-trades applicants must be between 18 and 22 years, while trades applicants must not be above 26 years as of October 21, 2026. Applicants must also meet the prescribed height requirements of 1.68 metres for males and 1.65 metres for females.
Other requirements include a valid birth certificate or acceptable age declaration, relevant Trade Test or City & Guild certificate for trades applicants, and presentation of original educational and other stipulated documents during screening. Applicants must apply using their state of origin rather than state of residence, while candidates found with forged or falsified documents will be withdrawn from training.
The Army has also provided a special-skilled category for applicants with relevant technical expertise, including boat operation, marine mechanics, electrical and mechanical engineering and other specialised skills. Applicants under this category may be between 18 and 35 years, subject to the specific requirements for their chosen skill.
Shaibu said enlistment into the Nigerian Army offers opportunities for career progression, regular pay and allowances, specialised training, further education, healthcare for personnel and their families, pension and gratuity, as well as post-service career opportunities. He urged eligible Delta youths to take advantage of the exercise and described the Nigerian Army as a professional institution committed to national service.
The awareness team, alongside members of the Delta State Awareness Creation Committee, has continued sensitisation across Delta North, Delta South and Delta Central, engaging traditional rulers, community leaders and youths.
The Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, the Olu of Warri, the Ovie of Agbarha-Warri kingdoms and other stakeholders pledged to mobilise eligible youths in their communities to participate in the recruitment exercise and commended the state government for its proactive approach to expanding youth participation in military and paramilitary services.
