ABUJA, NIGERIA
The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of online applications for the Short Service Combatant (SSC) Course 49. This recruitment drive comes at a critical time as the nation grapples with widespread and complex internal security challenges, underscoring the military’s urgent need to inject young, educated, and combat-ready leadership into its operational ranks.
The Nigerian Army, through its official channels, has made a clarion call to eligible citizens to join the service.
The application portal opens online from 9 October to 12 November 2025, and the application is free of charge. Interested candidates must visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment webpage at recruitment.army.mil.ng to apply.
The Short Service Combatant Commission is specifically for officers who will serve in the Combat Arms (Infantry and Armour Corps) and Combat Support Arms (Artillery, Engineers, Signals, and Intelligence Corps) of the Nigerian Army.
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth and demonstrate good character. Regarding age, all candidates must be between 23 and 27 years old by January 9, 2026. For education, a minimum of a first degree with at least a Second Class Lower Division (2:2) or an HND with at least Lower Credit from an accredited institution is required. Critically, only tertiary academic credentials obtained from the year 2017 to date will be accepted. Civilian applicants must possess an NYSC discharge certificate or a valid certificate of exemption. In terms of physical standards, male applicants must be a minimum of 1.68 meters in height, and female applicants must be a minimum of 1.65 meters in height. Finally, serving military personnel must have completed a minimum of five years of service in the Armed Forces and comply with all necessary documentation requirements. All candidates must also be medically, mentally, and physically fit, have no criminal convictions, and must not have any body inscriptions or tattoos.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that the online application for the Short Service Combatant (SSC) Course 49 is now open. This presents a unique opportunity for eligible Nigerians to serve their fatherland in the Combat Arms and Combat Support Arms of the Nigerian Army,” the public announcement reads.
