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The Nigerian Army has announced the commencement of applications for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026, inviting qualified Nigerians to apply for commissioning as officers.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the Army said the DSSC programme is open to both civilians and serving military personnel who possess relevant professional qualifications. Successful applicants will be commissioned into specialised corps of the Nigerian Army to support national defence and security operations.
However, findings from a survey conducted by punch Newspaper indicate sharp divisions among Nigerian youths over the recruitment exercise. Many respondents cited longstanding concerns such as alleged corruption, inadequate equipment, and poor welfare conditions for serving personnel, retirees, and families of fallen soldiers—issues that have, in some instances, sparked public protests.
“Someone Must Defend the Nation”
Despite these concerns, some young Nigerians say they are willing to serve, arguing that patriotism should override fear and uncertainty.
Abubakar Haruna, 28, told punc newspaper that while the complaints raised by critics deserve attention, they should not discourage those who genuinely wish to serve their country.
“If everyone says they won’t join the Army, who will protect the nation?” he asked.
“We must be ready to defend our lives, our parents, and our country. I am prepared to do that.”
Calls for Reform Before Enlistment
Others, however, insist that meaningful reforms must precede any decision to enlist.
Faisal Muhammad, 30, a recent university graduate, said he would only consider joining the military after the government addresses key welfare and operational challenges.
“The government must first improve soldiers’ welfare and provide adequate equipment,” he said.
“How do you expect me to confront criminals whose weapons are more advanced than mine? We hear soldiers complain that bandits are better armed. In such a situation, I cannot have the confidence to enlist, and I doubt my parents would even allow it.”
Similarly, Ibrahim Aminu, who has been unemployed for three years since graduating, said military service does not appeal to him despite Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
“Even with the hardship of unemployment, I don’t see myself joining the Army,” he said.
“The government appears not to value the lives of security personnel. Retired junior officers often suffer neglect, and society does not always appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers. Some even see them as oppressors or collaborators. That kills any motivation.”
Retired Officer: Differing Views Are Normal
Reacting to the debate, a retired senior officer, Major Muhammad Bashir Shu’aibu Galma (Rtd.), MNI, said the divergent opinions among youths are normal and should not be a cause for alarm.
“Joining the Nigerian Army has never been compulsory,” he said.
“Even in our time, many of our peers had no interest in military service.”
According to him, those who join with genuine commitment rarely regret their decision. He also dismissed claims by some former officers on social media who express regret over their years in service, warning that such narratives should not discourage willing applicants.
“Many senior officers today—soldiers, police officers, and paramilitary personnel—are children of former security personnel,” he noted.
However, Major Galma acknowledged flaws in the recruitment process, particularly political interference, which he said often allows unsuitable candidates into the military.
“I appeal to politicians to allow only qualified and willing individuals to be recruited,” he said.
“Those forced into the system often desert after training or become security liabilities, sometimes even aiding criminal elements.”
Experts Warn of Manpower Shortage
Security analysts say Nigeria cannot afford to ignore the concerns raised by youths, especially as the country grapples with manpower shortages in its security agencies.
A security expert, Detective Auwal Durumin Iya, told th punch Newspaper that fresh recruitment is necessary to address the growing strain on the military and police.
“Inadequate manpower affects not just the military but also the police,” he said.
“They cannot effectively secure communities while insurgency persists in forests and border areas. No matter how sophisticated the equipment, trained personnel are still needed to operate it.”
He urged the government to prioritise welfare reforms across all security agencies.
“The government must improve welfare, ensure timely payment of salaries, provide adequate equipment, and take care of personnel and their families,” he said.
“If officers are injured or killed, the state must stand by them. This is what will encourage young people to enlist.”
Security Concerns Persist
The debate comes amid worsening security conditions nationwide. Just last Sunday, at least nine Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed, with several others injured, after their convoy hit a landmine and came under attack near Bindundul village, about 20 kilometres from Kareto in Borno State.
Experts have linked the incident to the military’s lack of advanced bomb-detection equipment commonly used in more developed countries.
As the February 4, 2026, deadline for DSSC applications approaches, attention now turns to how Nigerian youths will respond—whether calls for reform will outweigh the call to serve, or whether patriotism will prevail despite the risks.
