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.
Successful candidates will serve in the Combat Arms, including the Infantry and Armour Corps, and Combat Support Arms such as Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence Corps.
The Army said applications are open to both “civilians” and “soldiers/ratings/airmen” who meet the 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.
Candidates must also meet the Army’s medical, mental and physical fitness standards.
Male applicants must be at least 1.68 metres tall, while females must be at least 1.65 metres.
Applicants 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 higher institution.
Only tertiary qualifications obtained from 2018 to date will be accepted.
Civilian applicants must have an NYSC discharge certificate, while serving military personnel must present an NYSC exemption certificate.
Civilian applicants must also obtain attestation letters from their degree-awarding institutions and recommendations from at least two recognised referees who meet the stated requirements.
Applicants must not have a criminal conviction, belong to any cult or secret society, or have body inscriptions or tattoos.
How to apply
Interested applicants should visit the Nigerian Army recruitment portal and select the SSCC option.
They should click “Apply Now” for SSCC Course 50/2027 and state whether they are serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces.
Applicants must register with an email address, verify it through the link sent to them, create a password and complete the application form.
Required documents include:
• 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.
It warned the public to disregard “any online application portal or recruitment announcement purportedly opened before this official publication” and rely only on official Nigerian Army channels.
Nigerian Army SSCC commission period
SSCC officers will receive a 15-year commission, with 10 years on the active list as the initial bonding period.
The commission may later be renewed for up to five years.
SSCC officers may also convert to Regular Combatant Commission, but such conversion “is not automatic” and will depend on available vacancies and other criteria.
Applicants must complete their forms accurately to avoid disqualification.
All applications must be submitted by Saturday, October 17, 2026.
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