Tough New Guidelines As Army Releases SSC 49/2026 Shortlist—Candidates Warned!

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigerian Army has published the shortlist of successful applicants for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026. The announcement, issued on Monday and signed by the Military Secretary (Army), confirmed that the complete list is now accessible on the official recruitment portal at recruitment.army.mil.ng.

The Army directed all shortlisted candidates to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Ribadu Campus (Old Site) in Kaduna State on December 1, 2025. Applicants are advised to arrive in Kaduna a day earlier, November 30, and must report to the Selection Board venue between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the scheduled date. According to the statement, individuals who arrive after 11 a.m. will face automatic disqualification.

Candidates are required to present both original and photocopies of their academic and professional documents, including NYSC discharge or exemption certificates, valid birth certificates, certificates of state of origin, BVN printouts, NIN slips, and completed SSC forms. The Army cautioned that any tampering or alterations on documents would lead to invalidation.

Shortlisted applicants must also come with specific personal items, such as blue shorts, white T-shirts, white canvas shoes, writing materials, toiletries, beddings, full-size coloured photographs, and valid scratch cards for WAEC or NECO verification. In addition, parents or guardians are expected to provide a court-endorsed Letter of Consent stating they will not seek compensation for any injuries or fatalities that may occur during the exercise.

The Army noted that the selection process will include detailed document checks, physical fitness assessments, medical screenings, academic evaluations, and an oral interview. While candidates will be fed and housed for the duration of the exercise, they are responsible for their own transportation. The use of personal vehicles and receiving visitors will be prohibited.

Emphasising the importance of discipline, the Army warned that any breach of instructions would result in disqualification. It further reiterated that, due to the rigorous nature of the exercise, it will not be held liable for injuries or deaths that may arise. Candidates were urged to adhere strictly to all outlined guidelines to avoid disqualification.