How to apply for Nigerian Army 2026 recruitment for short service intake

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

According to a statement by the Army, the online application portal opened on Thursday, October 9, 2025, and will close on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The exercise is open to both serving military personnel and eligible civilian applicants who meet the required criteria.

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, aged 23 to 27 years as of January 9, 2026, and must be medically, mentally, and physically fit according to Army standards.

Key Requirements

• Must be Nigerian by birth and of good character.

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

• No criminal convictions or pending disciplinary cases.

• Possession of at least a first degree (Second Class Lower) or HND (Lower Credit) from an accredited institution (from 2017 onwards).

• NYSC discharge or exemption certificate for non-military applicants.

• Valid birth certificate/age declaration and certificate of state of origin.

• Two letters of attestation from reputable individuals such as a Local Government Chairman, Secretary, or senior military/police officer (not below Lt. Colonel or ACP).

• Must not belong to any cult, secret society, or fraternity, and must not have tattoos or body inscriptions.

• Serving military personnel must have completed at least five years of service and provide necessary endorsements.

Successful applicants will be trained and commissioned to serve in the combat arms and combat support arms of the Nigerian Army.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official recruitment portal at 👉 recruitment.army.mil.ng and select the Short Service Combatant (SSC) option.

• Review the conditions of entry for SSCC Course 49/2026.

• Click “Apply Now” under the SSC 49/2026 section based on your qualification.

• Indicate whether you are a serving or ex-service personnel.

• New applicants should sign up to create an account — a verification link will be sent to your email.

• Log in using your verified credentials to complete the application process.

The Army emphasized that only qualified candidates will be shortlisted for further screening and training.