How to Apply for Nigerian Army Short Service Recruitment 2025/2026: Step-by-Step Guide

The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026, inviting qualified and motivated Nigerians to apply and serve their nation as commissioned officers.

According to the announcement, the online recruitment portal — recruitment.army.mil.ng — is now open for applications. The recruitment exercise began on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Understanding the Nigerian Army Short Service (SSCC)

The Short Service Nigerian Army pathway, officially called the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC), is designed for qualified graduates and serving military personnel who wish to join the Nigerian Army as officers for a defined period of service.

Successful candidates undergo officer training at the Nigerian Army School before being commissioned into various combat arms and combat support arms of the Army.

Unlike the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), which targets professionals like doctors and engineers, the SSCC focuses on general officers for combat and operational duties.

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Eligibility and Basic Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all the listed criteria to qualify for the Nigerian Army Short Service 2025/2026:

1. Nationality and Age

• Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth.

• Age limit: 23 – 27 years as of January 9, 2026.

2. Physical and Mental Fitness

• Must be medically, physically, and mentally fit in accordance with Nigerian Army standards.

• Minimum height: 1.68 m (male) and 1.65 m (female).

• Must not have any tattoos, body inscriptions, or piercings (except traditional tribal marks).

• Must be of good moral character, with no criminal convictions or membership in cults or secret societies.

3. Educational Qualifications

• Minimum of a First Degree (Second Class Lower) or HND (Lower Credit) from an accredited institution (graduated between 2017 – date).

• NYSC discharge or exemption certificate is mandatory for civilian applicants.

• Must provide original copies of all certificates — from primary to tertiary levels.

4. Documentation and Attestation

• Valid birth certificate or age declaration.

• Certificate of state of origin duly signed.

• Two attestation letters from reputable individuals — such as a Local Government Chairman/Secretary or senior military/police officer (not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Assistant Commissioner of Police).

• Serving personnel must present their military ID card, a letter of recommendation, and proof of at least five years of service.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Nigerian Army Short Service 2026

Follow these simple, official steps to complete your application correctly:

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to the Nigerian Army recruitment portal — https://recruitment.army.mil.ng — and select the “Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC)” option.

Step 2: Review the Conditions of Entry

Read the entry conditions carefully for SSCC Course 49/2026. Ensure you meet every requirement before proceeding.

Step 3: Begin Your Application

Click “Apply Now” under the SSCC 49/2026 section. Indicate whether you are a civilian or a serving member of the Armed Forces.

Step 4: Create an Account or Log In

• New applicants should click “Sign Up” to create an account.

• Verify your email and log in using your credentials.

Step 5: Complete the Online Form

Fill in your bio-data, educational details, service record (if applicable), and contact information. Upload all required documents and photographs.

Step 6: Submit and Print Your Forms

Once completed, submit your application online. Print both the application form and the guarantor form. Ensure your guarantors sign appropriately.

Step 7: Attend State-Level Screening

Applicants must bring duly signed forms to their state of origin recruitment centre for screening, which includes document verification, physical assessment, and interviews.

Recruitment Army mil ng: General Instructions

• No pre-selection computer-based test (CBT) will be conducted.

• All screenings will take place at the candidate’s state of origin.

• Do not pay anyone for the recruitment process; the exercise is completely free.

• Candidates must present original educational certificates at screening venues.

• Tattoos, body piercings (for males), or multiple ear piercings (for females) are prohibited.

• Candidates must not falsify information or forge documents; offenders will be disqualified even during training.

• All applicants must come along with their NIN slip and BVN print-out.

• Shortlisted candidates will be published on the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal.

Nigerian Army Short Service 2026 Closing Date

Applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) 49/2026 will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Shortlisted candidates will later be invited for screening from December 4 – 17, 2025 at their respective state recruitment centres.

Benefits of Joining the Nigerian Army Short Service

The Nigerian Army Short Service rank and benefits come with both professional and personal advantages:

1. Competitive salary and allowances (based on officer rank).

2. Career growth and training opportunities.

3. Access to healthcare and insurance.

4. Pension and gratuity after service.

5. Educational advancement and scholarships.

6. Housing opportunities for soldiers.

7. Pride and honour in serving your country.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between Short Service and Direct Short Service?

The Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) is mainly for combatant officers (23 – 27 years old), while the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is designed for professionals such as engineers, doctors, or chaplains and allows older age limits (up to 40 years in some cases).

2. How long is the Short Service programme?

Typically, Short Service officers serve for a fixed tenure (often five years, extendable based on performance and the Army’s needs).

3. What rank will I be commissioned as?

Successful SSCC candidates are usually commissioned as Second Lieutenants, depending on corps and qualifications.

4. Is there a fee for application?

No. The Nigerian Army recruitment is entirely free. Do not pay anyone claiming to secure your application.

5. What happens after submission?

After submission, print your forms and await shortlisting. Successful candidates will be contacted through the portal for screening.

6. Can serving soldiers apply?

Yes. Serving personnel with at least five years of active service can apply, provided they have no pending disciplinary cases and obtain approval from their Commanding Officer.

7. When will the Nigerian Army Short Service 2026 screening take place?

The screening for shortlisted candidates will hold between 4 – 17 December 2025 in their respective states of origin.

8. What documents do I need for the screening?

• Printed application and guarantor forms.

• Original copies of educational certificates.

• Birth certificate or age declaration.

• State of origin certificate.

• NYSC certificate (for civilians).

• NIN and BVN slips.

• Two passport photographs.

9. How can I confirm if I’ve been shortlisted?

Check regularly on recruitment.army.mil.ng. The list of shortlisted candidates will be published there.

10. What is the Nigerian Army Short Service salary structure?

While figures vary by rank and year, Short Service officers receive the same salary as regular commissioned officers. Benefits include allowances, housing, medical insurance, and gratuity packages.

Final Thoughts

The Nigerian Army Short Service 2025/2026 recruitment represents an opportunity for patriotic and capable Nigerians to serve their country, develop leadership skills, and build a fulfilling career in the military.

Interested candidates are strongly advised to apply only through the official portal — recruitment.army.mil.ng — and avoid any unofficial channels or agents.

Remember: Application is free, and all screenings are strictly merit-based.

Prepare your documents early, follow the official instructions, and aim to meet the closing date of November 12, 2025.

Important links:
Nigerian Army Short Service 2025/2026 • Short Service Nigerian Army • Recruitment Army mil ng • Nigerian Army Short Service rank • Nigerian Army Short Service salary • Nigerian Army Direct Short Service 2026 • Army Short Service recruitment • Nigerian Army Short Service portal • Nigerian Army Short Service 2026 closing date • How to apply for Nigerian Army Short Service