By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of online applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission Course 49 2026. Qualified Nigerians are invited to apply and serve their nation as commissioned officers.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Army Public Relations, the application portal opened on Thursday 9 October 2025 and will close on Wednesday 12 November 2025. The recruitment exercise is part of the Armys yearly effort to attract skilled and disciplined young men and women into its officer ranks.
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, medically and physically fit, and of good character. Civilians applying for the course must be between 23 and 27 years of age by January 2026, while serving military personnel may be considered under special conditions.
Male applicants must not be less than 1.68 metres tall, and female candidates must be at least 1.65 metres tall. Candidates with tattoos, body markings, or criminal records will not be accepted.
Candidates are required to have at least a first degree with Second Class Lower Division or a Higher National Diploma HND with Lower Credit from a recognized institution. Only academic qualifications obtained between 2017 and 2025 will be accepted for this recruitment.
Non serving applicants must also provide a valid NYSC discharge certificate or exemption letter, along with proof of birth or age declaration and certificate of state of origin.
Interested candidates should apply online through the official Nigerian Army recruitment portal at
https://recruitment.army.mil.ng
The Army has made it clear that the entire application process is free and that no one has been authorized to collect any fees.
Steps for application include visiting the portal and selecting Short Service Combatant Commission SSCC Course 49 2026, creating an account and filling out the online form carefully, and uploading all required documents such as passport photograph, educational certificates, birth certificate or age declaration, certificate of state of origin, and a valid national identification NIN or BVN. After submission, applicants are to print the application photo slip. The first page must be signed by a Court Registrar and the second page by either a Local Government Chairman, Secretary, or a senior military officer from the applicants state of origin.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the Selection Board Exercise in their respective states. All applicants are expected to bring original copies of their documents to the screening venue.
The Short Service Combatant Commission is a 15 year service programme consisting of 10 years of active service and an optional 5 year extension. Officers who perform excellently during their service may later be considered for conversion to the Regular Combatant Commission which offers a long term career in the Army.
The Nigerian Army has cautioned applicants to beware of fraudsters who may attempt to exploit the recruitment process. It urged the public to rely only on information from official Army sources or verified media outlets.
The Army also reminded candidates that the recruitment process is free and selection will be based purely on merit. Anyone found engaging in fraudulent activities or impersonation will face prosecution.
The Nigerian Army Short Service Combatant Commission Course 49 2026 offers a unique opportunity for qualified and patriotic Nigerians to contribute to national service. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete their online applications before the closing date of 12 November 2025 and to follow all official guidelines carefully.
