APPLY NOW: Nigerian Army is recruiting
Army announces Recruitment, gong-news.com
Posted inMetro News Nigeria

Nigerian army recruitment sparks mixed reactions among youths, others,

2,092Posted inMetro, News, Nigeria5 minutes

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 handle on Tuesday, the Army said the DSSC is open to both civilians and serving military personnel with relevant professional qualifications.

Successful candidates will be commissioned into specialised corps of the Nigerian Army to support national defence and security operations.

However, a survey of youth opinions conducted reveals deep divisions among young Nigerians over the offer, with many citing longstanding concerns about corruption, inadequate equipment, and poor welfare for serving, retired, and fallen personnel, issues that have, in some cases, led to protests by affected families.

Despite these concerns, some youths insist they are ready to serve regardless of the risks. Abubakar Haruna, 28, told that while the complaints raised by others deserve attention, they should not discourage patriotic service at a critical time for the 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. We are prepared to do that.”

This view contrasts sharply with that of Faisal Muhammad, 30, a recent university graduate, who said he would only consider joining the military after meaningful reforms are implemented.

“The government must first address soldiers’ welfare and provide adequate equipment. 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.” Faisal said

Similarly, Ibrahim Aminu, who has been unemployed for three years since graduating, said he would not join the military despite his desire to see an end to Nigeria’s security challenges.

“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, soldiers, police, and others alike. Retired junior officers often suffer neglect. Secondly, society does not always appreciate the sacrifices of soldiers; some even see them as oppressors or collaborators. That kills any motivation.”

These divergent views reflect a broader debate among Nigerian youths, while some argue that comprehensive reforms in soldiers’ welfare and recruitment processes must come first, others maintain that the current security crisis demands immediate sacrifice and service.

Reacting to the debate, a retired senior officer, Major Muhammad Bashir Shu’aibu Galma (Rtd.), MNI, said the differences in opinion are normal and not a cause for concern.

“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 regrets 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 system, 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.

“Many of those who are forced into the system end up deserting after training or becoming security liabilities, including aiding criminal elements.”

Some security analysts agree that the government still has time to restore confidence in military service among young Nigerians.

A security expert, Detective Auwal Durumin Iya, disclosed that Nigeria is already facing a shortage of soldiers, making fresh recruitment necessary.

“Inadequate manpower affects not just the military but also the police, who cannot effectively secure communities while insurgency persists in forests and border areas,” he said.

“No matter how sophisticated the equipment, you still need trained personnel to operate it. Policing is different from defending the nation against internal and external threats.”

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 care for the health and families of personnel,” he said.

“If officers are injured or killed, the state must stand by them. This is what will encourage young people to enlist.”

The debate comes amid worsening security conditions nationwide. Just last Sunday, at least nine Nigerian soldiers were reportedly killed and several others injured when their convoy hit a landmine and came under fire near Bindundul village, about 20 kilometres from Kareto in Borno State.

The incident has again been linked by experts to the military’s lack of advanced bomb-detection equipment commonly used by 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.

Tags:

2,092 Comments

  9. StephenLuM
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Информационный городской портал https://sevsovet.com.ua с публикациями о событиях, общественной жизни и актуальных вопросах. Читайте новости, обзоры, аналитические материалы и полезную информацию о происходящем в разных сферах.

  10. JeremyNix
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Полезный родительский ресурс https://rodkom.org.ua о воспитании, развитии и образовании детей. Читайте рекомендации для родителей, узнавайте о школьной жизни, семейном взаимодействии и способах решения актуальных вопросов детского развития.

  11. Lorenzoperne
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Полезный информационный портал https://sinega.com.ua с интересными статьями, обзорами и практическими рекомендациями. Изучайте актуальные публикации, знакомьтесь с новыми идеями и находите полезные материалы для работы, отдыха и повседневной жизни.

  12. Coreycal
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Полезный информационный ресурс https://rupsbigbear.com с интересными публикациями и тематическими материалами. Знакомьтесь с новыми статьями, изучайте практические рекомендации, открывайте полезные идеи и находите информацию на разнообразные темы.

  13. WarrenRek
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Интересный спортивный портал https://rpl.net.ua для поклонников футбола и других соревнований. Читайте новости, обзоры матчей, аналитические материалы, результаты игр и публикации о командах, спортсменах и важных событиях спортивного мира.

  22. Matthewveing
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Полезные идеи для отдыха https://sunshadow.com.ua и комфортного обустройства пространства. Читайте интересные статьи, знакомьтесь с практическими рекомендациями, изучайте варианты оформления и находите вдохновение для новых решений.

  23. MichaelImmuh
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Техническое оборудование и решения https://technocom.dp.ua для различных задач. Изучайте характеристики техники, особенности эксплуатации, современные разработки и полезные рекомендации по выбору оборудования для дома, производства и бизнеса.

  24. JamesSnumb
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Женский информационный портал https://timelady.kyiv.ua о стиле, красоте, здоровье и отношениях. Читайте интересные публикации, советы по уходу за собой, материалы о моде, семье, саморазвитии и современных тенденциях.

  25. WalterOdoth
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Современные пластиковые окна https://spkokna.com.ua для квартир, домов и коммерческих помещений. Узнайте о выборе оконных конструкций, профилей и стеклопакетов, особенностях монтажа, теплоизоляции и уходе за оконными системами.

  26. AnthonyAluby
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Создание сайтов и продвижение https://sitetime.kiev.ua в интернете для бизнеса и частных проектов. Узнайте о веб-разработке, дизайне, поисковой оптимизации, наполнении страниц и современных инструментах привлечения целевой аудитории.

  32. Lds bingo
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    no deposit casino bonus codes cashable 2021 usa, 50 free spins no deposit 2021 nz and
    betway poker australia, or best online casino in united kingdom top reviewed

    Look at my site :: Lds bingo

  33. Wilhemina
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    ladbrokes slots uk, free bonus no deposit casino usa 2021 and best cda casino games
    (Wilhemina) site canada,
    or online casinos accepting usa

  34. Boris
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    australian online casino min deposit $10, poker australia tournaments and united kingdom real money hard rock casino front money – Boris,,
    or online bingo usa promotions

  36. ZacharyNug
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Общественная и политическая деятельность https://una-unso.cv.ua и материалы о важных событиях региона. Знакомьтесь с информационными публикациями, историческими сведениями, общественными инициативами и актуальными вопросами гражданской жизни.

  37. Williamdus
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Женский онлайн-журнал о https://viplady.kyiv.ua красоте, стиле и современных тенденциях. Читайте советы по уходу за собой, обзоры модных направлений, рекомендации по здоровью, отношениям и организации повседневной жизни.

  38. BrianMoons
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Популярный женский журнал https://topwoman.kyiv.ua с полезными статьями о красоте, здоровье, моде и отношениях. Изучайте рекомендации, находите идеи для повседневной жизни, узнавайте о тенденциях и вдохновляйтесь интересными публикациями.

  39. ArthurmEx
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Удобные покупки в интернете https://webstore.com.ua и полезная информация о выборе товаров. Изучайте ассортимент, сравнивайте характеристики продукции, знакомьтесь с рекомендациями и находите интересные решения для повседневных потребностей.

  40. DustinEdill
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Женский клуб с полезными https://womanclub.kyiv.ua публикациями о красоте, здоровье и отношениях. Читайте интересные статьи, советы по уходу за собой, материалы о семье, стиле, саморазвитии и актуальных женских темах.

  42. Modesto
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    fastpay casino uk, united kingdom online play roulette and best online poker site for beginners usa, or canadian casino guide 2021 review

    Also visit my homepage – average blackjack winning percentage (Modesto)

  43. LhaneSig
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    This post feels very carefully structured because the ideas connect clearly and the wording stays straightforward without losing substance, which helps make the overall discussion more interesting and comfortable to read carefully.

    siti non aams

  45. Ricardojam
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Полезные экспертные материалы для https://womanexpert.kyiv.ua женщин о здоровье, красоте и образе жизни. Изучайте рекомендации, узнавайте о современных тенденциях, читайте статьи об отношениях, уходе за собой и личном развитии.

  46. Curtiskaw
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Интересный информационный портал https://xx-centure.com.ua с познавательными статьями, историческими материалами и публикациями на разные темы. Читайте обзоры, узнавайте интересные факты и расширяйте кругозор благодаря полезному контенту.

  47. Jamessniff
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    История военной авиации https://ww2planes.com.ua и развитие самолётостроения в период Второй мировой войны. Изучайте характеристики легендарных самолётов, исторические факты, технические особенности и материалы о военной авиационной технике.

  48. Williampycle
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Женский информационный портал https://womanportal.kyiv.ua с материалами о моде, красоте, здоровье и семье. Читайте практические советы, интересные обзоры, полезные рекомендации и находите вдохновение для повседневной жизни.

  49. DustinFer
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    Футбольный информационный портал https://xx-football.com для поклонников спорта и командных соревнований. Читайте новости футбола, обзоры матчей, аналитические статьи, результаты турниров и интересные материалы о клубах и известных игроках.

  50. Marcel
    Reply
    November 14, 2026,

    best poker website australia, online casino instant withdrawal uk and dollar 1
    deposit casino new zealand, or slot machine hire usa

    my web-site how to win at bubble craps (Marcel)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *