The Nigerian Army has opened applications for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026, inviting qualified civilians and serving personnel with professional credentials to apply for commissioning as officers. Announcing the recruitment on its official X handle on Tuesday, the Army said successful applicants would be deployed into specialised corps to support national defence and security operations.
The announcement, however, has triggered mixed reactions among Nigerian youths, with many expressing concerns over soldiers’ welfare, corruption, inadequate equipment, and the treatment of serving, retired, and fallen personnel.
While some young Nigerians say these issues discourage enlistment, others argue that the country’s worsening security situation demands sacrifice. A 28-year-old applicant, Abubakar Haruna,spoke that patriotism should outweigh fear, insisting that national defence requires commitment despite challenges. In contrast, several youths interviewed said they would only consider joining after meaningful reforms, particularly in welfare, equipment provision, and recruitment transparency. A retired senior officer, Major Muhammad Bashir Shu’aibu Galma (Rtd.), said differing views were normal, noting that military service has never been compulsory, but acknowledged political interference in recruitment as a problem. Security analysts also warned of manpower shortages in the armed forces, urging the government to improve welfare and support for personnel, especially as insecurity persists nationwide and recent attacks, including the killing of soldiers in Borno State, continue to highlight operational risks.