ABUJA, Nigeria, 5 November 2026: The Nigerian Army has reportedly released the shortlist for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027, directing shortlisted applicants to attend a selection board exercise at the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Ribadu Campus in Kaduna State from 23 November.

According to the announcement reported by PUNCH, the selection exercise will run until 11 December 2026. Applicants have been advised to check their status and reporting instructions through the Army’s official recruitment portal.

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The SSCC programme provides qualified Nigerian civilians and serving military personnel with an opportunity to become commissioned officers in the Army’s Combat Arms, including Infantry and Armour, and Combat Support Arms, comprising Artillery, Engineers, Signals and Intelligence.

Candidates who successfully complete the selection process and subsequent training are typically commissioned as Second Lieutenants under a short service arrangement.

The Army’s recruitment information identifies the official portal as [nashortservice.army.mil.ng](https://nashortservice.army.mil.ng/.

However, the shortlist notice was not independently visible on the portal during this check, so applicants should confirm their status and any updated instructions directly through official Army channels.

Shortlisted candidates are expected to present original copies of their credentials, including educational certificates, birth certificate or age declaration, certificate of state of origin, National Identification Number and Bank Verification Number slips.

Applicants should also prepare their printed application documents, including photo-slips and guarantor forms, in line with the instructions issued for the selection board.

The selection process is expected to include document verification, medical and physical assessments, and interviews.

Candidates are advised to follow the reporting schedule and ensure that all required documents are complete before travelling to Kaduna.

The recruitment exercise follows the Army’s earlier invitation for applications to SSCC Course 50/2027. The application window opened in August and closed on 17 October 2026, with eligible civilians and serving personnel invited to apply for officer commissioning.

The Army has repeatedly warned applicants against fraudulent recruitment websites and individuals claiming they can secure enlistment or selection in exchange for payment.

The official application process is free, and applicants are advised to rely only on verified Nigerian Army communication channels.

The shortlist marks an important stage for applicants seeking to join the Army as officers, but inclusion on the list does not guarantee commissioning.