Applications for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 are now open, and the Nigerian Army is asking eligible Nigerians to apply for commissioning as officers.
The Army stated that both civilians and active military personnel with the necessary professional credentials are eligible to apply for the DSSC in a statement published on its official X account on Tuesday.
In order to support national defense and security operations, selected individuals will be commissioned into specialized corps within the Nigerian Army.
Deep divisions exist among young Nigerians regarding the offer, according to a survey of their opinions. Many of them point to long-standing concerns about corruption, inadequate equipment, and poor welfare for serving, retired, and fallen personnel—issues that have occasionally sparked protests by impacted families.
Some young people maintain that they are prepared to serve in spite of these worries. The 28-year-old Abubakar Haruna stated that although other people’s grievances merit consideration, they shouldn’t deter patriotic service during a crucial period for the nation.
“Who will defend the country if everyone says they won’t enlist in the Army?” he questioned. “We have to be prepared to protect our nation, our parents, and our lives. We are ready to carry that out.
In stark contrast, 30-year-old Faisal Muhammad, a recent college graduate, stated he would only think about enlisting in the military if significant reforms were put in place.
“The government must first provide sufficient equipment and attend to the welfare of soldiers.” How do you think I’ll deal with criminals that have more sophisticated weaponry than I do? We hear soldiers lamenting the superior weaponry of outlaws. I doubt my parents would even permit me to enlist in such a case, and I lack the confidence to do it. Faisal stated
In a similar vein, Ibrahim Aminu, who has been jobless for three years after graduating, declared he would not enlist in the military even though he wished to see Nigeria’s security issues resolved.
“I don’t see myself joining the Army, even with the hardship of unemployment,” he declared.
The lives of police officers, soldiers, security guards, and others seem to be of little importance to the government. Junior officers who have retired are frequently neglected. Second, soldiers’ sacrifices are not always valued by society; some even view them as collaborators or oppressors. That eliminates all motivation.
These differing opinions are a reflection of a larger discussion among young Nigerians. While some contend that the current security crisis necessitates immediate sacrifice and service, others claim that fundamental reforms in the welfare and recruitment processes of soldiers must occur first.
Major Muhammad Bashir Shu’aibu Galma (Rtd.), MNI, a former senior officer, responded to the argument by saying that disagreements are common and shouldn’t be taken seriously.
He said that enlistment in the Nigerian Army has never been required.
“Many of our peers had no interest in serving in the military, even in our time.”
He claims that people who join with sincere dedication seldom regret their choice. Additionally, he refuted statements made by some former officers on social media that they regret their years of service, cautioning that such stories shouldn’t deter prospective candidates.
He pointed out that “many senior officers today, soldiers, police officers, and paramilitary personnel, are children of former security personnel.”
Major Galma did, however, acknowledge shortcomings in the recruitment process, especially political meddling, which he claimed frequently permits unfit applicants to join the military.
“I urge legislators to permit the recruitment of only competent and willing individuals,” he stated.
“After training, a large number of people who are coerced into the system either desert or become security risks, including supporting criminal elements.”
There is still time for the government to rebuild young Nigerians’ trust in military duty, according to some security specialists.
Detective Auwal Durumin Iya, a security expert, stated that Nigeria is already experiencing a troop shortfall, necessitating new recruiting.
He stated, “Inadequate manpower affects not only the military but also the police, who cannot effectively secure communities while insurgency persists in forests and border areas.”
“Trained staff are still required to operate the equipment, regardless of its sophistication. Protecting the country from both internal and external dangers is not the same as policing.
He called on the government to give welfare reforms a priority in all security institutions.
He stated, “The government must improve welfare, ensure timely salary payments, provide adequate equipment, and care for the health and families of personnel.”
“The state must support officers who are hurt or killed.” This is what will motivate youth to sign up.
The discussion takes place as the country’s security situation deteriorates. Just last Sunday, their convoy struck a landmine and came under fire close to Bindundul hamlet, around 20 kilometers from Kareto in Borno State, killing at least nine Nigerian soldiers and injuring dozens more.
Experts have once again connected the tragedy to the military’s absence of sophisticated bomb-detection equipment, which is often utilized by more industrialized nations.
The focus now shifts to how Nigerian youngsters will react as the DSSC application deadline of February 4, 2026 draws near, whether calls for reform will triumph over the need to serve, or whether patriotism would triumph despite the dangers.
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