So you’ve heard about the NDLEA recruitment and now you’re asking: “How long is the training, and how much do they pay during it?”
Good question and I’ve got you covered with real gist, numbers, and survival hacks straight from those who’ve been through NDLEA training duration and pay 2025 school.
Let’s break it all down
What is NDLEA Training, Anyway?
The NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) doesn’t just hire you and throw you into the field. Nah fam, you first go through intense paramilitary training. Think of it as:
Discipline mode ON
Fitness grind
Classroom sessions (law, drugs, security studies)
Practical drills (parade, weapon handling, field work)
This training is what separates you from an applicant to a full NDLEA officer.
NDLEA Training Duration 2025
Now let’s get into the timeline.
For Recruits (O’level/ND holders):
Training lasts 6 months (on average).
Sometimes it can stretch to 7–8 months depending on federal schedules, strikes, or logistics.
For Cadets (graduates with HND/BSc/Law/Medicine):
Training is 9 months to 1 year.
Why? Cadets get more advanced tactical and leadership training.
Rumor vs Fact:
Some people claim training is only “3 months.” Not true. The minimum realistic duration is 6 months, and cadets always stay longer.
NDLEA Training Duration and Pay 2025
Now to the money bag,
During training, NDLEA pays you an allowance (stipend) not your full salary.
Recruits (6 months): ₦25,000 – ₦35,000 per month.
That’s about ₦150k – ₦210k total for the whole training period.
Cadets (9–12 months): ₦45,000 – ₦60,000 per month.
That’s about ₦400k – ₦650k total if you finish the full year.
Heads up: Allowances don’t always start immediately. Some trainees report getting their first credit alert 4–6 weeks into training (arrears usually included).
Training Locations of NDLEA (Where You’ll Be Grinding)
In 2025, NDLEA typically uses these training schools/camps:
Kaduna (famous base camp, hardcore discipline.
Jos, Plateau State (cool weather, tough drills.
Abuja (headquarters vibes.
Lagos (hectic but connected.
Life Inside Training Camp
So what’s it like? A few realities:
Wake-up time: 4:30 AM daily
Drills & parade: Long hours under sun
Food: Basic, mostly beans, rice, garri
Phones: Either seized or restricted
Discipline: March wrong, push-ups for you
Breaks: Rare, but you may get some visiting days
It’s mentally and physically tough, but that’s the point to build resilient NDLEA officers.
Training Pay vs Post-Training Salary
Here’s where it gets interesting
Training pay = allowance (stipend).
Post-training pay = full federal salary + allowances.
After training, recruits can earn ₦45,000 – ₦80,000 monthly.
After training, cadets can earn ₦120,000 – ₦150,000+ monthly (depending on rank).
So yeah, the real money comes AFTER graduation. Training pay is just to keep you afloat.
Common FAQs on Training Duration & Pay
Q1: How long is NDLEA training 2025?
Recruits: ~6 months. Cadets: 9–12 months.
Q2: How much do NDLEA trainees earn monthly?
₦25k–35k for recruits, ₦45k–60k for cadets.
Q3: Is the allowance paid regularly?
Most times, yes — but expect delays at the start.
Q4: Does the training duration change?
Sometimes. Federal announcements, logistics, or strikes may extend training.
Q5: What happens if I drop out?
You forfeit the allowance and won’t become an NDLEA officer.
Pro Tips for Trainees (From Past Intakes)
Budget wisely: that ₦25k won’t last if you blow it.
Carry essentials: toiletries, soap, power bank, small cash.
Fitness prep: start jogging now; don’t wait for camp.
Mental toughness: it’s not just physical, it’s discipline.
Stay humble: seniors and instructors run the show.
Conclusion
NDLEA training in 2025 is no joke it’s 6–12 months of serious grind. But that grind comes with an allowance (₦25k–₦60k monthly) to keep you going until your full federal salary kicks in.
So if you’re heading to camp this year, prepare well, save your allowance, and remember it’s temporary hustle for a lifetime career.
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