The Nigerian Army has released the list of candidates shortlisted for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026, marking the next phase of its annual recruitment cycle.
The announcement, issued in a Monday statement signed by the Military Secretary (Army), confirms that the full list is now available on the official recruitment portal.
According to the statement, “the full list of successful applicants is now available on its recruitment portal: recruitment.army.mil.ng,” giving applicants immediate access to verify their status.
This release signals the start of preparations for the Selection Board exercise scheduled to begin on December 1, 2025.
Reporting Date and Arrival Rules
Shortlisted candidates are required to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Ribadu Campus (Old Site), in Kaduna State on December 1, 2025. The Army advised all candidates to arrive in Kaduna a day earlier, noting that they must be at the venue between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m.
The statement warned that “candidates who arrive after 11am on 1 December 2025 will be automatically disqualified,” underscoring the strict timing and discipline the Army expects at this stage. This condition mirrors the military’s long-standing emphasis on punctuality, order, and compliance.
Mandatory Documents and Screening Requirements
Candidates must present original and photocopies of their academic and professional certificates, including their NYSC discharge or exemption documents. The Army also listed a valid birth certificate, certificate of state of origin, BVN printout, NIN slip, and completed forms from the SSCC portal as compulsory.
The screening will include document verification, medical and physical tests, an academic assessment, and an oral interview. The Army stressed that “any alteration on documents will automatically render them invalid,” a move designed to deter forgery and ensure transparency.
Required Items and Parental Consent Rules
All shortlisted applicants must arrive with writing materials, blue shorts, white T-shirts, white canvas shoes, toiletries, beddings, full-size coloured photographs, and WAEC or NECO scratch cards.
The Army added that parents or guardians must submit a “duly signed Letter of Consent” from a recognised court stating they will not seek compensation for injury or death during the selection.
Candidates will be accommodated and fed for the duration of the exercise, but they are responsible for their transportation. The Army also banned private vehicles and visits from outsiders throughout the period.
Discipline, Risks, and Final Caution
The Army emphasized that discipline remains a core requirement, warning that “candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.” It also issued a clear disclaimer that “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.”
These conditions reinforce the demanding nature of the SSC program and the seriousness of the military’s recruitment standards.