By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced its nationwide 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, underscoring strong youth interest in military service and national defence.
The development was disclosed in an official statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, who said the aptitude test is simultaneously taking place at 15 designated zonal centres nationwide. The centres are located in Sokoto, Minna, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, Maiduguri, Yola, Makurdi, Jos, Ilorin, Ipetu-Ijesa, Enugu, Benin, Port Harcourt and Ikeja.
According to the statement, the wide geographic spread of the exercise reflects the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to inclusiveness, equal opportunity and a transparent, merit-driven recruitment process that allows qualified Nigerians from all regions of the country to compete on a level playing field.
The impressive turnout of applicants, the NAF noted, further demonstrates the sustained confidence of Nigerian youths in the Air Force as a disciplined, professional and patriotic institution. It also highlights the Service’s determination to attract capable, motivated and resilient young Nigerians at a time when the nation’s evolving security environment requires enhanced manpower to effectively support ongoing internal security operations and broader national defence efforts.
Speaking on the conduct of the exercise, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, reaffirmed that the entire recruitment process is anchored on fairness, integrity and strict adherence to established standards.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains firmly committed to recruiting the best candidates by merit, as the quality of our personnel is fundamental to operational effectiveness and the successful execution of our constitutional mandate,” the CAS stated.
He described the aptitude test as a critical step in building a motivated, disciplined and mission-ready force, while assuring Nigerians of the NAF’s unwavering dedication to supporting internal security operations and protecting the lives and property of citizens in line with its constitutional responsibilities.
The aptitude test marks a key phase in the 2025 BMTC 46 recruitment exercise, as the Nigerian Air Force continues efforts to strengthen its human capacity and operational readiness in defence of the nation.
