Joining the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives recruitment means committing to a vital role in combating drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria. The NDLEA leads efforts to intercept illicit substances, arrest traffickers, and promote public awareness through its dedicated operatives. Many Nigerians aspire to become NDLEA operatives in roles like Narcotic Officers and Narcotic Assistants. The last major recruitment happened in 2023, with screening and training extending into later years. As of January 2026, no new recruitment exercise for operatives has been announced, but the agency fills vacancies periodically based on operational needs.

The official website remains https://www.ndlea.gov.ng, where all genuine announcements appear first. A dedicated recruitment portal at https://recruitment.ndlea.gov.ng activates only during active exercises. The careers section at https://www.ndlea.gov.ng/careers provides general information about joining the agency. NDLEA strongly warns against scams—applications are always free, and no one should demand payment for forms or slots. Rely exclusively on the official site and verified social media channels like @ndlea_nigeria for updates.

Eligibility for NDLEA operatives recruitment ensures only fit and qualified candidates serve. Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, aged 18-35 years (with variations by cadre), and possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN). For the Narcotic Assistant cadre (entry-level operatives), a minimum of four credits in SSCE/GCE/NABTEB (including English and Mathematics) suffices. The Narcotic Officer cadre requires a bachelor’s degree or HND in relevant fields. Physical standards are strict: males at least 1.67m tall, females 1.64m, with corresponding chest measurements for men. Candidates must be medically fit, of good character, with no criminal record or tattoos.

The recruitment divides into cadres: Superintendent (professional officers), Narcotic Officer (graduate operatives), and Narcotic Assistant (non-graduate operatives). Operatives work in field operations, intelligence, patrols at airports/seaports, and community sensitization under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative.

When the NDLEA operatives recruitment portal opens, the process is fully online and transparent. Follow these steps based on previous exercises:

1. Visit https://www.ndlea.gov.ng or directly https://recruitment.ndlea.gov.ng when active.
2. Read the vacancy announcement and guidelines carefully.
3. Register with a valid email, phone number, and NIN.
4. Log in and select your cadre (e.g., Narcotic Assistant or Officer).
5. Complete the form with personal, educational, and guarantor details.
6. Upload required documents: SSCE/degree certificates, birth certificate/age declaration, NIN slip, passport photos, and local government attestation.
7. Review all entries to avoid errors leading to disqualification.
8. Submit and print your acknowledgment slip.
9. Check your email and portal for shortlisting updates.

Windows are short—past ones lasted weeks—so apply immediately upon announcement.

After submission, stages include computer-based aptitude tests (covering English, Mathematics, Current Affairs, and general knowledge), physical screening (running, measurements, drug tests), document verification, medical exams, and intensive training at NDLEA academies. The process emphasizes merit, federal character, and zero tolerance for corruption.

To prepare for future NDLEA operatives recruitment in 2026, gather documents early, maintain peak physical fitness for endurance tests, and study Nigerian drug laws alongside current events. Avoid fraudulent agents—the agency handles everything directly. Follow https://www.ndlea.gov.ng daily for alerts.

In summary, becoming an NDLEA operative through recruitment offers a purposeful career protecting Nigeria from drug threats. While no exercise is ongoing as of January 2026, stay prepared by monitoring https://recruitment.ndlea.gov.ng and https://www.ndlea.gov.ng/careers. Past cycles show that dedication and honesty lead to success. If you’re committed to a drug-free society, bookmark these official links. Your chance to serve could arrive soon.