The Nigerian Army has opened applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission Course 50/2027 for qualified civilians and serving military personnel.
The Army announced this in a recruitment notice on Tuesday, inviting eligible Nigerians to apply for commission as Short Service Combatant Commission officers.
According to the notice, successful candidates will serve in the Combat Arms, including the Infantry and Armour Corps, as well as Combat Support Arms comprising Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence Corps.
The Army said the application is open to both “civilians” and “soldiers/ratings/airmen” who meet the stipulated requirements.
The application opened on Friday, August 14, 2026, and will close on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Nigerian Army Short Service recruitment requirements
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and aged between 23 and 27 as of January 10, 2027.
The Army also requires candidates to be medically, mentally and physically fit according to its standards.
Male applicants must be at least 1.68 metres tall, while female applicants must be at least 1.65 metres.
For academic qualifications, candidates must possess “at least a first degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division or HND of not less than Lower Credit” in the arts, sciences or humanities from an accredited university or other institution of higher learning.
The Army said only tertiary academic credentials obtained from 2018 to date would be considered.
Civilian applicants must also possess an NYSC discharge certificate, while serving military personnel are required to present an NYSC exemption certificate.
The Army further stated that civilian applicants must obtain letters of attestation from their degree-awarding institutions and be recommended by at least two recognised referees who meet the specified requirements.
Applicants must not have been convicted by any court of law, belong to any cult or secret society, or have body inscriptions or tattoos.
How to apply for Nigerian Army Short Service recruitment
Interested candidates are required to visit the Nigerian Army recruitment portal and select the SSCC option.
Nigerian Army recruitment portal
Applicants should click on “Apply Now” for SSCC Course 50/2027 and indicate whether they are serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces.
They will then be required to register with an email address. A verification link will be sent to the email address, after which applicants can create a password and log in to complete the application form.
Applicants must upload the required documents, including:
• Recent passport photograph
• Educational certificates
• Certificate of state of origin
• Birth certificate or age declaration
• NIN slip
• BVN slip
The Army said the application is free of charge.
It warned members of the public to disregard “any online application portal or recruitment announcement purportedly opened before this official publication”, urging applicants to rely only on information released through official Nigerian Army channels.
Nigerian Army SSCC commission period
According to the Army, SSCC officers will be granted a 15-year commission, with 10 years on the active list as the initial bonding period.
The notice stated that the commission could subsequently be renewed for a period not exceeding five years.
It added that SSCC officers would have the opportunity to convert to Regular Combatant Commission, but stressed that such conversion “is not automatic” and would depend on available vacancies and other applicable criteria.
Applicants are required to complete their applications accurately to avoid disqualification.
The Army said all applications must be submitted no later than Saturday, October 17, 2026.
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