Nigerian Army Releases List of Shortlisted Candidates for Short Service Combatant Commission Course 49/2026
By Passman Akpos
Kaduna, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has announced the release of the official list of successful candidates shortlisted for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026 Selection Board. The list is now accessible on the Army’s recruitment portal.
According to a public announcement signed by the Military Secretary (Army), shortlisted candidates are expected to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Ribadu Campus (Old Site), Kaduna State, for the Selection Board exercise scheduled to run from 1–19 December 2025.
Candidates are advised to arrive in Kaduna on 30 November 2025 and must report at the selection venue between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on 1 December 2025. The Army emphasized that any candidate who arrives after 11:00 a.m. will be automatically disqualified.
Mandatory Documents and Requirements
Shortlisted candidates are required to present both original copies and two photocopies of the following documents in a file jacket:
Academic and professional certificates, including testimonials, NYSC discharge or valid exemption certificate.
Valid birth certificate (from NPC, hospital or LGA) or age declaration.
Certificate of state of origin.
Leave/Pass and ID card (for serving military personnel).
Recommendation letter from Commanding Officer/Commander (military personnel).
Printed BVN certificate authenticated by a bank and NIN slip/card.
Completed SSCC portal printouts, including referee forms.
Items to Bring
Candidates must come fully prepared with the following:
Writing materials.
Three pairs of blue shorts and three plain white short-sleeve T-shirts.
One pair of white canvas shoes and three pairs of white socks.
Toiletries and a bucket.
Cutlery, plates, and drinking cups.
Bedding items, such as blankets, bedspreads, and pillowcases.
Four recent full-size colour photographs in suit (standing position) and four passport photographs.
Scratch cards for verification of WAEC/NECO results.
A court-endorsed Letter of Consent from parent/guardian stating no claims will be made against the Nigerian Army in the event of injury or death during the exercis
Selection Exercise and Important Warnings
The Selection Board will include document verification, physical fitness tests, medical examinations, academic screenings, and an oral interview.
The Army strongly warned that any alteration on documents will render them invalid, leading to disqualification.
Throughout the exercise:
Candidates will be fed and accommodated.
Transportation to and from the venue is the candidate’s responsibility.
The use of private vehicles is banned.
Visitors are strictly prohibited.
High discipline standards will be enforced, and any violation will result in disqualification.
Liability Disclaimer
The Army reiterated that due to the military nature of the selection process, it will not be held liable for any injuries or deaths that may occur during the exercise.
The Nigerian Army urged all shortlisted candidates to adhere strictly to the guidelines and maintain discipline as they prepare for the rigorous selection process that leads to a commission in the nation’s military service.
