The Nigerian Army has announced that applications for its Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026 are currently ongoing, calling on qualified Nigerians to apply and join as commissioned officers.

The recruitment exercise opened on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

According to the Army, the programme is open to serving military personnel as well as eligible civilian applicants who meet the specified requirements.

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and must be between 23 and 27 years old as of January 9, 2026.

Civilian candidates are also expected to submit letters of attestation from two reputable individuals, such as a Local Government Chairman/Secretary or a senior officer in the military or police, not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Assistant Commissioner of Police.

The army also noted that applicants will serve in combat arms and combat support arms of the army after successful training and commission.

Basic requirements

1. Must be medically, mentally, and physically fit by Army standards.
2. Civilians must provide two referees’ attestation letters from recognized officials (e.g., Local Government Chairman or senior military/police officer from applicant’s state).
3. Must submit a Letter of Attestation from former educational institutions.
4. Minimum height: 1.68m (male) and 1.65m (female).
5. Must have no criminal convictions or disciplinary cases; service members need endorsement from commanding officers.
6. Must possess at least a first degree (Second Class Lower) or HND (Lower Credit) from an accredited institution (2017 to date).
7. Must provide a valid birth certificate/age declaration and certificate of state of origin.
8. Non-military applicants must have NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
9. Must provide valid contact information of parents/guardians and next of kin.
10. No tattoos or body inscriptions allowed.
11. Must present original copies of all educational certificates (primary to tertiary).
12. Serving personnel must have served at least 5 years, present military ID and recommendation letters, and declare service status honestly.
13. Must not belong to any cult, secret society, or fraternity.
14. Must not have been dismissed or withdrawn from any military or paramilitary training institution.

How to apply

Visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng and select the SSC option.

1. You will be redirected to a page containing the conditions of entry for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026.
2. Click on “Apply Now” under the SSC 49/2026 section according to your qualification.
3. Indicate whether you are currently serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, then proceed.
4. If you are a new applicant, click “Sign Up” to create an account (a verification link will be sent to your email). Log in using your new or existing credentials. (VANGUARD)