Recruitment: Nigerian Army releases shortlisted candidates for direct short service

The Nigerian Army has released the official list of candidates shortlisted for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Military Secretary (Army), the Army announced that the full list of successful applicants has been published on its recruitment portal: recruitment.army.mil.ng.

Shortlisted candidates are to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Ribadu Campus, Kaduna State, on December 1, 2025, for screening and further documentation.

“The shortlisted candidates are to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy Ribadu Campus (Old Site), Kaduna State on 1 December 2025.

“Candidates are advised to be in Kaduna on 30 November 2025 and report to the Selection Board venue between 6 am 11 am on 1 December 2025,” the statement partly read.

The Army warned that “candidates who arrive after 11am on 1 December 2025 will be automatically disqualified.”

It was stated that candidates are required to present original and photocopies of all academic and professional certificates, including NYSC discharge or exemption certificates.

They must also bring a valid birth certificate, certificate of state of origin, BVN printout, NIN slip, and completed forms from the SSCC portal.

The Army further listed items candidates must come with, including writing materials, blue shorts, white T-shirts, white canvas shoes, toiletries, beddings, full-size coloured photographs, and scratch cards for checking WAEC or NECO results.

Parents or guardians must also provide a “duly signed Letter of Consent” made in a recognised court of law, declaring they will not seek compensation for any injury or death during the exercise.

The selection process will include document verification, physical and medical tests, academic assessments and an oral interview.

The Army noted that any alteration on documents will automatically render them invalid.

According to the statement, candidates will be accommodated and fed during the exercise but must cater for their transportation. The use of private vehicles and visits from outsiders are prohibited for the entire duration.

The Army also cautioned that a high level of discipline is required, stressing that “candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.”

The statement added that, due to the military nature of the exercise, the Nigerian Army will not be liable for injuries or deaths recorded during the selection.

“A high standard of discipline is expected from all candidates. Candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.

“Due to the military nature of the Exercise, the Nigerian Army shall not be liable for any injuries/deaths recorded in the course of the Selection Board,” the statement concluded.