Nigerian Army 2026 Recruitment – Eligibility And How To Apply For The Nigerian Army 2026 Recruitment

The Nigerian Army is calling on qualified Nigerians to apply for its ongoing Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026 to qualify as commissioned officers.

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

The programme is open to serving military personnel and eligible civilian applicants who meet the specified requirements, according to the Army.

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

Note: According to the Army, applicants will serve in the combat arms and combat support arms after successful training and commissioning.

Basic Requirements For Applicants 

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• Applicants must not have been dismissed or withdrawn from any military or paramilitary training institution.

Application Tips 

• Once you click on the link provided below, you will be redirected to a page containing the conditions of entry for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026.
• Click on “Apply Now” under the SSC 49/2026.
• Indicate whether you are currently serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, then proceed.
• 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.

How To Apply 

• To apply, click APPLY NOW 

Deadline 

• November 12th, 2025