Nigerian Army DSSC 29/2026 Recruitment Portal: How to Apply, Requirements & Key Dates




Nigerian Army DSSC 29/2026 Recruitment – Overview

The Nigerian Army has officially announced the commencement of the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 recruitment exercise for qualified Nigerian professionals seeking commission as officers. This recruitment is designed to attract skilled civilians and serving military personnel with relevant academic and professional experience into various specialized corps within the Army.

What Is the DSSC?

The Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) is a fast-track officer commissioning programme that recruits qualified professionals with specialized skills into the Nigerian Army. Unlike general enlistment, DSSC focuses on bringing in individuals who can immediately contribute technical, professional, and leadership expertise to support the Army’s operations and strategic objectives.

Key Dates You Must Know

  • Application Start Date: January 7, 2026

  • Application Closing Date: February 4, 2026

All applications must be submitted within this window through the official online recruitment portal.

Official Recruitment Portal

To apply, candidates must use the official Nigerian Army recruitment website:

👉 recruitment.army.mil.ng

No physical forms or walk-in applications are accepted.

⚠️ Important Note: The Nigerian Army has cautioned the public to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online. Legitimate recruitment exercises are announced only on official channels, and the process is entirely free—no payment is required at any stage.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for DSSC 29/2026, applicants must meet several basic criteria. While specific requirements vary by corps, the general conditions include:

Citizenship

  • Must be a Nigerian citizen by birth.

Age

  • Candidates must be between 20 and 32 years old by March 30, 2026.

  • Medical consultants may be up to 40 years old.

Educational Qualifications

  • A minimum of Second Class Upper Bachelor’s Degree (BSc/BEng) or Upper Credit HND in a recognized discipline.

  • Professional degrees must be from accredited institutions and, where applicable, registered with relevant professional bodies.

NYSC

  • Applicants must have completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or hold a valid exemption certificate.

Fitness & Character

  • Medically, mentally, and physically fit according to Nigerian Army standards.

  • No criminal record or dubious background.

  • No visible tattoos or body inscriptions.

Minimum Height (General)

  • Male: At least 1.68 m

  • Female: At least 1.65 m

Specialized Corps and Fields

Successful applicants will be commissioned into one of several corps, each with unique qualification requirements:

Engineering Corps

  • Degrees in Civil, Electrical/Electronic, Computer, or related engineering fields.

  • Professional registration (e.g., NSE, COREN) may be required.

Signals Corps

  • Qualifications in Computer Science, Cyber Security, Telecommunications, Network Engineering, etc.

Medical Corps

  • Medical and dental practitioners must be fully registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and hold current practising licences.

  • Consultants should be fellows of relevant postgraduate colleges.

Other Corps

  • Opportunities may exist in fields like Education and Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, depending on the Army’s needs.

Documents You Need Before Applying

Prepare clear digital copies of the following before you start your application:

  • Passport Photograph

  • Educational Certificates

  • Birth Certificate or Age Declaration

  • Certificate of State of Origin

  • Professional Licenses/Registrations (if applicable)

  • NYSC Certificate or Exemption

  • National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN) MyCVCreator

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Visit the portal: Go to recruitment.army.mil.ng.

  2. Create an account: New users must register and verify their email address; returning users should log in.

  3. Select DSSC 29/2026: Choose the course to view requirements and begin the application form.

  4. Fill in your details: Enter personal, educational, and professional information accurately.

  5. Upload documents: Attach all required files in the specified formats.

  6. Submit and print: After submission, print the confirmation or photo slip for future screening stages.

After You Apply

Once the application portal closes, the Nigerian Army will review submissions and announce further stages, which typically include screening, interviews, medical examinations, and training schedules. Stay updated by regularly checking the official portal and verified Army social media accounts.

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

  • Do not pay any fees for application, shortlisting, or any recruitment stage—official recruitment is free. Vanguard News

  • Only use the official recruitment portal and verified contact numbers (e.g., 08179269294 or 08109959294).

  • Ignore social media ads or third-party recruiters claiming guaranteed placement—they are likely fraudulent.

Conclusion

The Nigerian Army DSSC 29/2026 recruitment presents a valuable opportunity for qualified Nigerians to serve their country as commissioned officers in specialized fields. By understanding the eligibility requirements, key dates, and how to apply correctly through the official portal, applicants can maximize their chances of success while avoiding scams.