The Nigerian Armed Forces — Army, Navy and Air Force — share a British-style rank system split into commissioned officers (senior) and non-commissioned officers (junior). Each service runs its own scale, but they line up across the three branches by NATO grade. Below is the full rank ladder for each service, the current service chiefs as of October 2025, and how to address officers correctly.
The Nigerian Armed Forces grew out of the Nigerian Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force, transferred from British control in 1958 and renamed at independence in 1960. Today the forces operate under a single Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who reports to the President as Commander-in-Chief.
Current service chiefs (October 2025)
President Bola Tinubu replaced the entire service chief tier on 30 October 2025.
- Chief of Defence Staff: General Olufemi Oluyede (source).
- Chief of Army Staff: Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
- Chief of Naval Staff: Vice Admiral Idi Abbas — the 25th CNS (source).
- Chief of Air Staff: Air Marshal Sunday Aneke — the 23rd CAS (source).
They replaced General Christopher Musa (CDS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede (COAS, who was elevated), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla (CNS) and Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar (CAS).
How Nigerian military ranks work
Every rank in the Armed Forces sits in one of two groups:
- Commissioned officers — hold the President’s commission. They lead units. Entry route: Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) cadets or Direct Short Service Commission for graduates.
- Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) and other ranks — promoted from the ranks. They run day-to-day operations under commissioned officers.
The three services use different titles for equivalent NATO grades. A Major in the Army equals a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy and a Squadron Leader in the Air Force.
Nigerian Army ranks
The Army is the largest of the three services. Its major formations are the 1, 2, 3 Armoured, 6, 7, 8, 81 and 82 Divisions.
Commissioned officer ranks (highest to lowest)
- Field Marshal (5-star, ceremonial only — never held in active service in Nigeria)
- General (4-star — held by the COAS)
- Lieutenant General
- Major General
- Brigadier General
- Colonel
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Major
- Captain
- Lieutenant
- Second Lieutenant
Non-commissioned and other ranks
- Master Warrant Officer
- Warrant Officer
- Staff Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance Corporal
- Private
- Recruit
Nigerian Navy ranks
The Navy headquarters sits in Abuja. Operational commands are based in Lagos (Western), Calabar (Eastern) and Bayelsa (Central). The service runs five operational bases, two dockyards (Lagos and Port Harcourt) and two fleets.
Commissioned officer ranks (highest to lowest)
- Admiral of the Fleet (5-star, ceremonial only)
- Admiral (4-star)
- Vice Admiral (held by the CNS)
- Rear Admiral
- Commodore
- Captain
- Commander
- Lieutenant Commander
- Lieutenant
- Sub-Lieutenant
- Acting Sub-Lieutenant
- Midshipman
Non-commissioned and rating ranks
- Warrant Chief Petty Officer
- Chief Petty Officer
- Petty Officer
- Leading Rating
- Able Rating
- Ordinary Rating
- Trainee
Nigerian Air Force ranks
The Air Force was founded in January 1964 with West German technical assistance. It operates fighter, transport, trainer and helicopter aircraft and runs the Air Force Military School in Jos and the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna.
Commissioned officer ranks (highest to lowest)
- Marshal of the Nigerian Air Force (5-star, ceremonial only)
- Air Chief Marshal (4-star)
- Air Marshal (held by the CAS)
- Air Vice-Marshal
- Air Commodore
- Group Captain
- Wing Commander
- Squadron Leader
- Flight Lieutenant
- Flying Officer
- Pilot Officer
Non-commissioned (airmen) ranks
- Air Warrant Officer
- Master Warrant Officer
- Warrant Officer
- Flight Sergeant
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Lance Corporal
- Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman
- Recruit
How the three services compare
| NATO grade | Army | Navy | Air Force |
|---|---|---|---|
| OF-10 | Field Marshal | Admiral of the Fleet | Marshal of the NAF |
| OF-9 | General | Admiral | Air Chief Marshal |
| OF-8 | Lieutenant General | Vice Admiral | Air Marshal |
| OF-7 | Major General | Rear Admiral | Air Vice-Marshal |
| OF-6 | Brigadier General | Commodore | Air Commodore |
| OF-5 | Colonel | Captain | Group Captain |
| OF-4 | Lieutenant Colonel | Commander | Wing Commander |
| OF-3 | Major | Lieutenant Commander | Squadron Leader |
| OF-2 | Captain | Lieutenant | Flight Lieutenant |
| OF-1 | Lieutenant / 2nd Lieutenant | Sub-Lieutenant / Acting Sub-Lt | Flying Officer / Pilot Officer |
| OF-D | Officer Cadet | Midshipman | Officer Cadet |
How to address military personnel
- Generals, colonels and admirals. Use the rank alone or with surname — “General Oluyede”, “Colonel Musa”. Drop the surname in long conversations.
- Naval officers. Lieutenant Commander and above are addressed as “Commander” or by their full rank. Officers below that are addressed as “Mr.” in social settings but introduced by full title.
- Army and Air Force NCOs. Address by rank — “Sergeant”, “Warrant Officer”. “Mr.” or “Mrs.” is acceptable in social settings.
- Military doctors. Use the military rank — “Major Opeyemi” — at work. “Dr.” is fine in social settings.
- Retired officers. Keep their titles for life. Address them as “(Retired) General Buhari”, or just by rank.
Role of the Armed Forces
The 1999 Constitution gives the Armed Forces four duties:
- Defend Nigeria from external aggression.
- Maintain territorial integrity on land, sea and air.
- Suppress insurrection and aid civil authorities when called by the President.
- Perform any other duties prescribed by the National Assembly.
In practice, this covers counter-insurgency in the North-East (Boko Haram, ISWAP), banditry operations in the North-West, anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Guinea, and ECOWAS / UN peacekeeping deployments.
Common questions
Who is the highest-ranking officer in the Nigerian military?
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), currently General Olufemi Oluyede. He commands all three services.
What is the highest rank in the Nigerian Army?
Field Marshal is the constitutional 5-star rank, but it has never been held in active service. The highest active rank is General — held by the Chief of Army Staff.
How long does it take to become a General?
Typically 30+ years from commissioning. Most Generals retire at 35 years of service or age 60, whichever comes first.
What is the difference between commissioned and non-commissioned officers?
Commissioned officers are appointed by the President’s commission and lead units. NCOs are promoted from the ranks and run operations under commissioned officers.
Are Nigerian military ranks the same as British ranks?
Almost identical in name, since Nigeria inherited the British system. Insignia patterns differ — Nigeria uses its own emblems on shoulder boards.
Related
- List of Army barracks in Nigeria
- Nigeria Customs Service ranks
- Nigerian Police salary structure
- Nigeria Immigration Service offices
I want to join Nigeria air force, please how can, I need a help, some friends are telling me to give the money for de to help me, is dat right??? Should I give de money? Please I need help.
Morah Song
Sylvanus USIJU James
my dream is to become a military officer.
may the lord permit me
i want to join the airforce. please how can you help me to be one
What is the criteria for joining either Army, Air Force or Navy? I have Bachelor's in Chemical Pathology and Master's in Forensic Science. Can anyone advice please? Should I go through DSS or get a recruitment form?
Contact me @ my email
Bunmi send me your email I’ll inform you about that
I pray let God help me achieve my plan and make my 'dream come true' to be one of the Greatest Prominent Nigerian Airforce Man IJN Amen!!!. I love airforce
All my dream is to be Nigerian airforce, I love navy
Allah help me to be a army 77rri please I need help from people let them help me wet prayers
I ALWAYS DREAMED OF BEING A NIGERIAN NAVY, INSHA ALLAHU
I Want To Be Nigerian Air Force Insha Allah
I want too be Nigerian army
Why don't we have field marshals in Nigeria?
I.e Field Marshal Murtala Ramat Mohammad!
Keep me Posted on any related Forces recruitments.
Regards.
Nigerian army form is out
All my life as a child i have always dreamt of being an AIR FORCE personnel. I believe God wil open my way.
All my life as a child i have always dreamt of being an AIR FORCE personnel. I believe God wil open my way.
I need your assistant on what to do so i need your phone number
I wish to join the Nigerian Airforce or Navy, but I need extensive information about the condition of service. Pls, I need clarification on so many things
OCHENI DANLADI FRANCIS
says Septembe23 2017:10am. I like to become a Nigeria air force and I don't have anybody to assist me, but I believe that with God all things are possible so help me God Amen.
Amen
I pray God will help me into the nigeria navy and i will get to the highest rank in commissioned officer and i will make sure i serve very well through out my service. So help me God. AMEN
I pray God will help me into the nigeria navy and i will get to the highest rank in commissioned officer and i will make sure i serve very well through out my service. So help me God. AMEN
Chat with me privately
What’s your number
I SERVE NIGERIAN ARMY FOR FUR (4) YEARS WITH OUT HAVING A SINGLE PROBLEM, NOW I AM DEW FOR PROMOTION THIS YEAR , AND I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL PROMOTE ME IN JESUS NAME. AMEN.
Amen!
I tank God dat am now Nigeria navy may God help in the training service
May God help me one day two be a navy man
Hello, please I would like to join the NAF with my B.Eng. I am still a serving corps member please how do I go about it. would sincerely appreciate a quick response.
Thanks you, i came to confirm the NIGERIAN NAVY RANKING. tnx very much
The Nigerian army no easy o. i do wonder when i will rich the rank of colonel. Allah help me
Well I’ve seen the ranking system for all the tree branches of the military, and I found all of them interesting, and I’ve cherished the ambition of bing a military man right from my childhood, am not specifying either Air force, Navy or Army but any one GOD chooses for me will be very OK by me because I gave him the choice of making all decisions in my life. My only prayers now is this; O ALLAH you know what exactly will feet me, so pls make a choice for me in one of these branches of the military. All I want is to be a military man..
God see us through as we are preparing for NDA Exams and screening/interview, lord is our hope in u and u alone we trust and have faith in, fellow Nigerian we need ur prayers and support. God bless u all, Nigerian armed forces and God bless the Republic of Nigeria.
THANK YOU ALL.
May Almighty Allah help us in d exam Saturday finz bt pls cn I get ur contact
If you are with God he too will be with you all the times,i thank God for the good step takeing sofar,and i am expecting more of he’s goodness for he is the only one i have.(AMEN).
The bible says that it shuld come to pass .GOD grnt us surcess in this process in jesus name! Amen if u belive that ur time has come shourt a big amen!
We’re coming into npf to reform it for better to best.
A Nigerian police force that will be more interesting than any other force one can think of.
The millitary i know then was an easy organisation 2 join bt now people pay money all in the name of joining the millitary . Some body we say de chief of air marshal is my this thi one is my that the question is what if you don’t have any body? The millitary is a sacrificial job is nt a place were feasting and drinking is allowed due to its nature bt corruption has eaten deep in to our system . I pray may God protect our gallant soldiers who are always on their feet to protect our country Nigeria in Jesus name…….Amen.
I want to become a navy man but I don’t HV anybody there that will help me.
dorayi karama unguwar bello transformer kano state
I want to follow to serve my country in a bigger way.. But how can I actualize this when I have nobody in the apex to slot me in… Please answer.. How?
I want to follow to serve my country in a bigger way.. But how can I actualize this when I have nobody in the apex to slot me in… Please answer.. How?
call on most high God to see u through, although you don’t have anybody but, you have God.
When is the Airforce DSSC Screening commencing?
Comment Text*sunday ..1st may
Pls when is the DSSC screening starting?No text msg Frm them yet what should we do pls?
I Luv To Become An Officer In My Life, I Once Serve My Country.
Really wish to be a military man. And I know I will surely be some days
Comment Text I am surprised of what just happened on 23 04 2016 as we come to exam, officers begin to call names of people that will sit for the exam and my question is ; as i was screened on 13 04 2016 am i not suppose to writ the exam. and one thing that pains me is that I had my name for script and did not allow me to collect it please I am referring to air force, since then am not with myself. because I really want to serve my country
yes i love that my bro…
Comment Text*God is good and I believe he will deffinately make Mi happy in dis airforce
thanks for Nigerian army i want to join any chance for helping
what time does the dssc screening begins on sunday?
God bless naf nd God bless my country when are we aspenting our result my people.
Comment Text*may 1st. ok, can any one that dont have gods father join nigeria army?
Comment Text*may 1st. ok, can any one that dont have gods father join nigeria army?
May God help us all and grant the desire of our heart..The screening for DSSC is in progress..
Ameen, u r right
Comment Text*action time to succeful cand
ete
even if u did nt av any1 in d military just pray 2 almighty allah by d grace of allah(swt) he will see u through
MY NAME IS YUSUF SAIDU I WANT TO TALK WITH DE MARKER OF WAEC
I 4rm yakasai i want meet with hajara bashir firts hausa muslim wing
I 4rm yakasai i want meet with hajara bashir firts hausa muslim wing
I love Nigerian Army
Allah (God) is my strength, what God can do for me No man can. Sure 2016 is my year of success and I shall stand to defend my country when am blessed to be a ‘Flight Lieutenant’. Ameen
I pray that our hope n wishes come to reality by His grace, Ameen ya Allah.
My name is mohammed shehu sule this year join the nigerian army force firt ateam 75 intake god bless all one bullet can no kill the galant army smoko smoko if no smoko then no go fear you
if u no ruggerd der no go fear u
NAF here i come, Nigeria i hail thee, urs i am, u i shall serve, defend & protect @ all cost. I have no godfather but Godasmyfather. Im unstoppable. No amt of corruption or manipulation will stop me from being seldcted. He who God has set on high, no man can bring him down! Im chosen!!!
Comment Text*I hope u ar hear me and listing to me my dear people Nigerian may be can’t never change bcoz the many people in Nigeria there is a corruption and injustices if u ar a poor man is very herdly to archive ur ambition, I apply Nigerian army 2 times I disqualified and 2016 I apply 2 Nigerian air force again disqualified to me bcos I don’t have a god father may Allh help me and archive my ambition ineed 2 a soldiers
Maybe your use of English disqualified you sir
Comment Text*nothing like gud english in the nigeria militery.
am akinwale michael from asun state i have apply for 75 instake of army recruitment all what i need is assistant because am having alot of interest in joining nigeria army force
Comment Text*GOD BLEASSE ALL HOW JOIN THE NIGERIA ARMY MY NAME IS ABUBAKAR ISMA IL
Comment Text* I am the nigeria army becuase defend my countries
Comment Text*OH GOD BLEASSE ALL HOW JOIN THE NIGERIA ARMY MY NAME IS ABUBAKAR ISMA IL
My names are Okunade Oladele Samson, I hail from Ora- Ekiti in Ido/osi LGA of Ekiti State, I applied for the on going 2016/2017 SSC Nigeria Army recruitment exercise, Dear brothers, I look up unto God and you for any possible assistant, my Application NO is SSC/2016/19414, love to serve my dear country, God bless you all, God bless Nigeria.
May Almighty God grants ur wishes
a child who see an ocean and want to jump into it should know that he is taking a risk of two alternative( life or death).God help me to make it next year Amen
have you seen the names of the qualified candidates that passed d aptitude test
Will like to join Nigeria airforce…. But how much is there Salary
LOW RANK:500,000 HIGH RANK:2.5000000
is the names of the qualified naf candidates out?
Comment Text*god bless Nigeria all my request from god is to help me out to be one of nigeria army please people who are with help me pray on to god to make me one of nigeria army thanks.
Comment Text* i will join the military service very soon Inshaallah. may God continue to bless our troops.
Comment Text*try to be there, we shall see.
God bless Nigerian Armed Forces. we will all make it, if only we believe. I am proud of your love for our fatherland.
U ar a thief u ar askin about salary u dnt even wnt 2 serve ur country
Comment Text* may GOD bless nigeria my nation and may GOD shotlist my name in nigerian navy because i want to serve my fathersland (my country Nigeria) through nigerian navy i love you all thanks ONWARD TOGETHER.
Comment Text*may God almighty bless all nigerian military including the army. and may God help me gain admission into nigerian defence academy. thank u all, thank u nigeria. l love my country
I strongly believe God is going to do it this time (2016) for me, I refused to be discouraged by what people say or think about this MILITARY. I love Nigerian Military, GOD Bless Nigeria, GOD Bless Nigeria Military one LOVE.
My name is Basit Arogundade am willing too join d Nigeria Army force coz i want too serve my father land nd i wish too help does who need my help, am praying too Almighty Allah too mke me pass d hard way
it z a must 4me to becme a soldier gat many tins to pas tru..
Comment Text*plz the person that registered my recruit form made a mistake and wrote tradesmen in my form instead of non-tradesmen, please sir what can I do?
Comment Text*i pray 1 of u suld com 2 my barrack
I will look upon the hills… From whence comet my help
My help comet from the Lord… Who created the heavens and the earth
Onward I go… Marching to victory
Lines are falling on me in pleasant places
Nobody dares to say no when the Mighty Godfather and Helper says YES!
Remember the name Osas Ibie Lewis and I shall be selected and chosen because the Almighty has chosen me…
Hallelujah!!!
Comment Text*nigeria navy army is my choice please my people prayer for me next year my pass examination.
God bless nigerian air force
If u rely want to join d military is very simple. D first thing is to acknowledge ur creator(God) with God all things are possible. If u are looking on to man claiming that u are looking onto God u are not qualified for His help (deceive urself). U have two eyes can u used one of d eye to look up and second eye to look down. God can never put you to shame. Paslm34:5 Paslm 145:9-11 Luke1:37 John 15:5 Mark 11:24 etc. Repentance God does not listen to a pray of sinner John9:31 Paslm 66:18 Isaiah 59:1-2 etc please contact on
i pray someday i will serve my father land at the level of a military personnel, currently i enrolled for the ongoing Dssc, i pray God grants me success. please i wish to know if there is any way i can get the paste question to enable prepare properly for the exams
my nam
e is Garuba Abdulwaheed Onigbari every time when I woke up in bed I’m beg my God because I want become one of those arm forces I known God will answer our prayers one day Amen
U C, I Always Beg God 2 grant Me My Heart Desire Xo I Can Fly D Nigeria Plane Nd Remove My Perent 4rm Bondage May God Help Us All Amen
Olodo liar airforce low officer are receiving 500,000 while high officer are receiving 2.5 million naira that is while enough space of land in the country without build liar, theif you are with buhari
Comment Text*I am very happy getting information that many can not give to me from here
This is the way I wanted to be.
Comment Text*ma
MY NAME IS MUHAMMED TIJJANI I WILL KEEP UP TRYING TO JOIN THE NIGERIA ARMY ONE DAY TO JUST SERVE MY COUNTRY MY PEOPLE AND MY SELF MAY GOD HELP ME.
I want to check the shortlisted list of the airforce for interview, I don’t no the side please
I want to check the shortlisted list of the airforce for interview, I don’t no the side please No I have never written before.
nothing is as sweet as been a military personnel bt Allah knows best. and may he help me and my family member throigh. all I want to know is when is Nigerian airforce screening starting for those who there came out in the shortlist
Ameen, may Allah help us. I too also want to join the military through NDA but wasn’t shortlisted this year but Allah knows best. May Almighty Allah grant us our heart desire. Ameen
Ameen
Comment Text*Nigeria air force do there tins secretly.
Comment Text*haruna yahaya we want 2 pass intervew insha allah and then pray 4 our screening god bles nigerian air force
May god bless the nigeria forces
They fight to live and they fight to kill
Living without the forces is like living without a life
May god bless us all as I join the military next year
I have learnt a lot from this site, more power 2 ur elbow group members
Thank you
Being a military officer is a pride. I have been trying my best to join the NAF for a while but couldn’t make it. I wish if i could have a good samaritan to help me this time. I am combatant, ruggate and good to go.
Pls which one is the best of the three wings of the armed force
Hello!
please how can I get notify when NAF recruitment form is out?
I pray that God will help me in making it into Nigerian army by next year(Amen)
I pray that God will help me in making it into Nigerian army by next year(so help me God)
I give salute to nigerian soldiers who have been given us protection and i also that God will guide and protect u for us and I also pray that God will help me in making it into Nigerian army by next year(so help me God)
I so much like to join NAF please i need connection into the force with my bsc
You want too join the Naf youngman what is your genotype and blood group,all this matter’s for joining the NA.anymore question’s reach me on my facebook page Brig johson olawumi
i love the navy , i would to join the nigerian navy my b.Sc , i would like to know what it takes
Very brave young man. Email at navyrecrui*****7@gmail.com
I’m Umar Adoga Nasirudeen, i hail from Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State. I like to enrol short rc need a facilitaor for Allah sake.
Young man what arm of serive
*thumbup* jah bless.
ALLAH YATAIMAKEMU, AMIN.
I have tried so much to join Nigeria Airforce but to no avail, no body to help me except God, since 8 years now. pls Help me God.
May Almighty Allah Help Us All Ameeen.
I wish u d best my peaple
Ameeeen Umar thanks
Ya allah ya taimakemu ameeeen
Wish you the best all
I Also Wishing All Kind Of Success
I wish to join the Nigerian Air Force but i don’t have someone who can help me and by d grace of God i will be there.
JERRY GABRIEL. Yes.by d grace of god I well there ameen:D:):Dyes i well b there.NAF.
Comment Text*hw many pages re to b printed out. coz me I have only 3 pages
NAF all the way, am having HND but handicap needs help
Allah yabada sa’a
Best of luck to our Applicant
AKUA GODWIN NO NUMBER OR EMAIL TO REACH LET’S AGREE ON D WAY 4WARD
Chat with me privately
Send your number
I really love yo be one of Nigeria navy pls I need your support ooo and may GOD also lead me through oooo
join the NIGERIAN MERCHANT NAVY MERNACSCAN