The Nigerian Army has officially announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49, calling on qualified Nigerians to apply and serve as commissioned officers.

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

According to the announcement, the programme is open to both serving military personnel and eligible civilian applicants who meet the required qualifications and standards.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and aged between 23 and 27 years as of January 9, 2026. The Army stated that successful candidates will be trained and commissioned into the combat arms and combat support arms upon completion of the course.

Civilian applicants must also submit letters of attestation from two reputable individuals, such as:

A Local Government Chairman or Secretary, or

A senior officer in the military or police, not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Basic Requirements

All applicants must:

Be medically, mentally, and physically fit according to Army standards.

Be a Nigerian citizen with proof of origin and birth certificate/age declaration.

Provide letters of attestation from two recognized referees.

Present educational certificates from primary to tertiary levels.

Have no criminal record or membership in any cult, secret society, or fraternity.

Meet the minimum height requirement — 1.68m for men and 1.65m for women.

Possess at least a First Degree (Second Class Lower) or HND (Lower Credit) from an accredited institution (not earlier than 2017).

Present a NYSC discharge or exemption certificate (for civilians).

Include valid contact details of parents/guardians and next of kin.

Have no tattoos or body inscriptions.

For serving military personnel:

Must have served a minimum of five years.

Present a valid military ID and a recommendation letter from their commanding officer.

Must not have been dismissed or withdrawn from any military or paramilitary training institution.

How to Apply

To apply for the Nigerian Army Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026, follow these steps:

Visit the official recruitment portal: https://recruitment.army.mil.ng

Select the “SSC” option on the homepage.

Read the entry conditions for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026.

Click “Apply Now” under the SSC 49/2026 section.

Indicate whether you are currently serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces.

If you’re a new applicant, click “Sign Up” to create an account (a verification link will be sent to your email).

Log in using your credentials and complete the online application form.

Applicants are advised to fill out their details carefully and upload all required documents before the deadline.