The wait is over for thousands of aspiring officers as the Nigerian Army officially releases the shortlist for the Direct Short Service Commission Course 29/2026.

This announcement triggers a high-stakes selection phase at the prestigious Jaji military hub. With security challenges mounting across the nation—from banditry in the North West to insurgency in the North East—this recruitment drive is not just a procedural formality but a critical effort to bolster the tactical leadership required to defend the nation's sovereignty.

Marching Orders for Jaji

The Army Headquarters has directed all shortlisted candidates to report to the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) in Jaji, Kaduna State. The reporting window is strict: candidates must arrive on Saturday, February 22, 2026, by 9:00 a.m. The selection board, known for its grueling physical and intellectual assessments, is the final hurdle before commissioning.

"This is a call to service, not a job offer," a military spokesperson emphasized. "We are looking for resilience, intelligence, and unwavering patriotism." The published list, available on the army's recruitment portal, represents the cream of the crop from a pool of tens of thousands of applicants. Those who survive the screening at Jaji will form the backbone of the army's specialized corps, bringing expertise in medicine, engineering, law, and other critical fields.

• Required Gear: Candidates have been instructed to bring specific items, including four coloured passport photographs, writing materials, and physical training kits. Failure to comply often results in immediate disqualification.
• The Venue: NASI Jaji is hallowed ground in Nigerian military history. It is where the doctrine of the army is taught and tested. For these civilians, entering its gates marks the psychological transition from civilian to soldier.
• Safety Warning: The army has also issued a stern warning against fraudsters claiming to influence the process. "Selection is based strictly on merit," the statement read, urging candidates to report any solicitation for bribes.

A Nation in Need of Leaders

The timing of the DSSC Course 29 is significant. The Nigerian military is currently engaged in operations in almost every geopolitical zone. The influx of "Short Service" officers is designed to inject fresh professional skills into the force rapidly. Unlike regular combatant officers who undergo years of training at the NDA, DSSC officers are professionals who are militarized over a shorter period to apply their specific trades within the army structure.

For the successful candidates, the journey to Jaji is filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. They are stepping into a vocation that demands the ultimate sacrifice. As families bid farewell to their sons and daughters this February, the nation looks on with hope that this new cadre of officers will help turn the tide in the battle for Nigeria’s peace.

"To whom much is given, much is expected," the adage goes. For the DSSC 29 shortlist, the expectation is nothing less than the defense of the fatherland.