The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has officially released the list of successful candidates for its Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), Course 34/2025 and announced Saturday, April 18, 2026, as the commencement date for training. The announcement was made in a statement by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF.
This development follows the conclusion of the Selection Board Interview conducted at the NAF Base in Kaduna between January 12 and February 8, 2026, marking the transition to the next phase of the recruitment process.
Recruitment and Screening Overview
The DSSC 34/2025 recruitment process began in late 2025, targeting qualified graduates and professionals.
Key milestones include:
- Recruitment Portal Opened: October 14 – November 25, 2025
- Shortlist Released: January 2026
- Selection Board Interview: January 12 – February 8, 2026, at NAF Base, Kaduna
- Final Successful Candidates List Released: April 4–5, 2026
The interviews served as a critical screening stage for candidates who successfully passed the initial application phase, ensuring that only the most qualified applicants advance to training.
Training Programme Details
Successful candidates are required to commence a six-month Basic Cadet Training programme at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Afaka, Kaduna, starting April 18, 2026. The programme is mandatory and serves as a prerequisite for commissioning into the Air Force.
Reporting Requirements
- Candidates must report with their original credentials for verification and documentation.
- Reporting deadline: 6:00 pm, Monday, April 20, 2026. Failure to meet this deadline will result in automatic forfeiture of the offer.
- Only those who successfully complete the six-month training programme will be formally recognised as Nigerian Air Force officers.
Accessing Candidate Information
The NAF has published the names of successful candidates on its official recruitment portal, allowing applicants to verify their status and access further instructions regarding the training programme.
“The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has announced the successful candidates for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), Course 34/2025, following the conclusion of the Selection Board Interview held at NAF Base Kaduna from January 12 to February 8, 2026.”
“Successful candidates are to commence a six-month Basic Cadet Training programme at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Afaka, Kaduna, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.”
Context and Broader Security Recruitment
The DSSC 34/2025 exercise is part of a broader push by the Nigerian government to strengthen security manpower across the armed forces.
Notable developments include:
- Nationwide Security Emergency: Declared by President Bola Tinubu in 2025, prompting expanded recruitment into security agencies.
- Nigerian Army: Commenced its 91 Regular Recruits Intake Exercise on March 30, 2026, with registration open until May 17, 2026. The Army also opened applications for DSSC Course 29/2026 in January 2026.
- Nigerian Navy: Inducted 1,962 ratings in December 2025.
- Forest Guards: Over 7,000 graduated in December 2025.
These coordinated recruitment and training initiatives are aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s security architecture amid rising challenges such as insurgency, banditry, and other complex threats.
Key Dates Summary
| Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Portal Open | Oct 14 – Nov 25, 2025 |
| Shortlist Released | Jan 2026 |
| Selection Board Interview | Jan 12 – Feb 8, 2026 |
| Final Candidate List Released | Apr 4–5, 2026 |
| Training Commencement | Apr 18, 2026 |
| Reporting Deadline | Apr 20, 2026 |
| Training Duration | 6 months |
This announcement underscores the NAF’s commitment to building a skilled and professionally trained officer cadre, ensuring the Air Force is well-prepared to meet national security demands.