Are you a graduate looking for a chance to serve Nigeria as a commissioned officer in the combat arms? The Nigerian Army has opened applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission Course 50/2027 (SSCC 50/2027). This is one of the most direct routes for both civilians and serving military personnel to become officers in the Infantry, Armour, Artillery, Engineers, Signals, or Intelligence Corps.
Applications opened on Friday, 14 August 2026 and will close on Saturday, 17 October 2026. The process is completely free. Below is a complete, practical guide so you can prepare a strong application and avoid common mistakes.
Summary
- Company: Nigerian Army
- Job Title: Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC 50/2027)
- Job Type: Full Time
- Qualification: BA/BSc/HND
- Location: Nigeria (Nationwide)
Job Title: Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC 50/2027)
Overview of Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC)
The SSCC is a 15-year commission into the Nigerian Army. Officers commissioned through this course serve only in the Combat Arms (Infantry and Armour) and Combat Support Arms (Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence). Successful candidates start as Second Lieutenants after training.
The first 10 years form the initial bonding period on the active list. The commission can be renewed for a further period not exceeding five years. Conversion to Regular Combatant Commission is possible but not automatic—it depends on vacancies and criteria in force at the time.
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Key Dates You Must Note
- Application opens: Friday, 14 August 2026
- Application closes: Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Age calculation date: 10 January 2027
All applications must be submitted online by the closing date. Late submissions are not accepted.
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Who Can Apply for Nigerian Army Short Service Recruitment 2027?
The Nigerian Army Short Service Commission 2027 is open to:
- Civilians
- Serving Soldiers, Ratings and Airmen of the Armed Forces of Nigeria
Both male and female candidates who meet the requirements are eligible.
Entry Requirements for Nigerian Army Short Service Recruitment 2027 (SSCC 50/2027)
All applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
- Be a citizen of Nigeria by birth as defined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).
- Be male or female between the ages of 23 and 27 by 10 January 2027.
- Be medically, mentally and physically fit according to Nigerian Army standards.
- Measure at least 1.68 metres in height (male) or 1.65 metres (female).
- Possess at least a first degree with not less than Second Class Lower Division or HND with not less than Lower Credit in the arts, sciences or humanities from an accredited university or institution of higher learning. The course of study must also have been accredited at the time of study.
- Only tertiary academic credentials obtained from 2018 to date will be considered.
- Possess a valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital or Local Government Council, or a valid age declaration.
- Possess a valid certificate of state of origin.
- NYSC discharge certificate is mandatory for all civilian applicants. Serving military personnel must present an NYSC exemption certificate.
- Must not have been convicted by any court of law. Military personnel must not have any disciplinary case and must be endorsed by their Commanding Officer/Commander.
- Must not have any body inscriptions or tattoos.
- Must not be members of any cult, secret society or fraternity.
- Must not have been dismissed or withdrawn on disciplinary grounds from any military or para-military training institution.
- Civilian applicants must be recommended and attested to by at least two recognisable referees (Local Government Chairman/Secretary or an officer of the Armed Forces not below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent / Assistant Commissioner of Police) who hail from the applicant’s state of origin. Passport photographs of the referees must be affixed to the letter of attestation.
- Candidates must submit a Letter of Attestation from their degree-awarding institutions.
- Applicants must present valid contact addresses and telephone numbers of parents/guardians and Next of Kin.
- All original educational certificates (primary to tertiary) must be tendered when required.
Additional Requirements for Serving Military Personnel
- Must have served for a minimum of five years in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
- Must present valid military identity cards and letters of recommendation from their Commanding Officers/Commanders.
- Must present valid letter(s) of official sponsorship in tertiary academic institutions.
- Must declare their service status on the application as required by the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service. Failure to declare constitutes an offence and grounds for disqualification.
Conditions of Service
- SSCC is granted for 15 years.
- Ten years will be on the active list (initial bonding period), renewable thereafter for a period not more than five years.
- No extension shall be granted after the fifteenth year except on conversion to Regular Combatant Commission where applicable.
- Officer cadets who successfully complete training shall be granted the rank of Second Lieutenant with seniority effective from the date of commencement of cadet training.
- All graduating officer cadets must sign an acceptance of the terms and conditions governing the SSCC before they are granted commission.
- Reckonable period of service for civilians begins from the date of commencement of cadet training. For military personnel applicants, it is the effective date of enlistment.
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How to Apply for Nigerian Army Short Service Commission 2027 (Step-by-Step)
Applications are free of charge and must be completed online only through the official portal.
- Visit the official Nigerian Army recruitment webpage: https://nashortservice.army.mil.ng and choose the SSCC option.
- Read the conditions of entry carefully.
- Click the “Apply Now” button for SSCC 50/2027.
- Indicate whether you are serving or have served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
- Sign up with a valid email address. A verification link will be sent to you. Verify the email and set your password.
- Log in and fill out the online form completely and accurately.
- Upload the required documents (listed below).
- Submit the application and print out the online-generated photo-slip.
Documents to Upload for Nigerian Army Short Service Recruitment 2027
- Recent passport photograph
- Educational certificates (of the qualification indicated)
- Certificate of state of origin
- Birth certificate or age declaration
- NIN and BVN slips
After Submission – Print Out Requirements
Applicants must print their online-generated photo-slip.
- The first page must be signed by the Registrar of any Court of Law.
- The second page must be signed by the applicant’s Local Government Chairman/Secretary or any military officer of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent and above who hails from the applicant’s state of origin.
Successful applicants will present their printed application forms (photo-slips, guarantors form, attestation form, etc.) to the Selection Board during the interview stage.
Important Caution from the Nigerian Army
The general public is advised to disregard any online application portal opened prior to the official publication. Prospective applicants and the general public are also advised to watch out for jingles on television and radio stations after this publication. Rely only on information released through official Nigerian Army channels.
Final Advice Before You Apply for Nigerian Army Short Service Recruitment 2027
Double-check that you meet every eligibility criterion, especially age, height, academic qualification year (2018 onwards), and the absence of tattoos or cult membership. Prepare clear, high-quality scans of your documents. Use a reliable email address and keep your login details safe. Complete the form carefully—errors can lead to disqualification.
The window is open now and closes on 17 October 2026. If you meet the requirements and are ready to serve in the combat arms of the Nigerian Army, begin your application today through the official portal.
This guide is based on the official advertisement published by the Nigerian Army. Always verify the latest information on the official website before submitting.