The Nigerian Army has opened applications for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for commissioning as officers in specialised corps of the force.
This is contained in a recruitment notice issued by the Department of Military Secretary, Nigerian Army, from Mambilla Barracks, Abuja, and circulated on the Army’s official recruitment platforms.
According to the notice, the application process is free of charge and will be conducted entirely online.
The DSSC scheme is open to both civilians and serving or previously served military personnel with relevant professional qualifications. Successful applicants will be commissioned into specialised corps to support national defence and security operations.
The available corps include the Nigerian Army Engineers, Nigerian Army Signals, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and the Nigerian Army Education Corps.
The Army stated that applicants must be Nigerians by birth, and must be medically, mentally and physically fit. Candidates are also required to meet stipulated academic, age and professional requirements.
It said that applicants must generally be between 20 and 32 years of age by March 30, 2026, while medical consultants may be up to 40 years.
Other requirements include possession of a minimum of Second Class Upper degree or HND Upper Credit, a valid National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate, certificate of state of origin, birth certificate or age declaration, and registration with relevant professional bodies where applicable.
The Army advised interested candidates to apply through its official recruitment portal at http://recruitment.army.mil.ng, select the DSSC option, and carefully read the qualification criteria for their preferred corps.
Applicants are required to create an account, complete the online application form, upload all required documents, submit the application and print the confirmation slip for reference.
Required documents include passport photograph, educational certificates, evidence of professional body membership, certificate of state of origin, birth certificate or age declaration, and National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN).
The notice stated that the application portal will open on Jan. 7, 2026, and close on Feb. 4, 2026, adding that only applications submitted within the stipulated timeframe would be considered.
It explained that officers recruited under the DSSC scheme would initially serve for 15 years, with conversion to Direct Regular Commission subject to eligibility and approval.
Successful candidates who complete military training will be commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant, while medical consultants will be commissioned as Majors, in line with existing regulations.
The Army advised applicants to direct further enquiries to its recruitment help lines on 08179269294 or 08109959294 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
It also warned members of the public to beware of fraudsters, stressing that the recruitment exercise is free and that no payment is required at any stage.
I Mohammad Ali yahaya…..