The Nigerian Army has released detailed guidelines for candidates seeking to apply for its Short Service recruitment programme, outlining the application process, documentation requirements, and submission deadlines.
According to the Army, applications are to be submitted online and free of charge within the approved application window, which runs from 7 January to 4 February 2026. Interested applicants are required to follow the official procedure as published on the Nigerian Army recruitment portal.
Method of Application
Applicants are to apply exclusively through the Nigerian Army’s official website at recruitment.army.mil.ng. Upon accessing the portal, candidates are required to select the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) option from the homepage.
Prospective applicants will be redirected to a page containing the qualification criteria for the ongoing DSSC courses. Candidates are advised to carefully review the requirements and select the DSSC option that corresponds with their academic qualifications and preferred corps.
At the next stage, applicants will be prompted to indicate whether they are currently serving or have previously served in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, after which they may proceed with the application.
Applicants without an existing account must sign up on the portal. A verification link will be sent to the email address provided. Those with existing accounts may log in using their credentials and continue the application process.
Completion of Application Form
Applicants are required to complete the online form accurately and upload all mandatory documents. These include a recent passport photograph, educational certificates, evidence of membership of any professional body where applicable, a certificate of state of origin, a birth certificate or age declaration, and valid National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN).
Candidates are advised to ensure that all uploaded documents are clear and authentic, as discrepancies may lead to disqualification during screening or interview stages.
Print-Out and Endorsement
Upon successful submission of the application, applicants must print out the system-generated application slip or card. The first page of the document is required to be signed by the Registrar of any court of law, while the second page must be endorsed by the applicant’s Local Government Chairman or Secretary. Alternatively, the second page may be signed by a military officer of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or its equivalent and above, or an Assistant Commissioner of Police and above, who is an indigene of the applicant’s state of origin.
Successful candidates will be required to present their printed application documents, including guarantors’ forms and attestation forms, to the Selection Board during the interview stage.
Closing Date and Advisory
The Nigerian Army stated that all applications must be completed and submitted online no later than 4 February 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
The Army also reiterated that the recruitment process is free and advised applicants to rely solely on official information released through authorised channels, warning against individuals or groups claiming to facilitate recruitment for a fee.
