Fake Forms, Real Threat: Army Sounds Alarm Over Non-Existent DSSC Recruitment Scam

The Nigerian Army has issued a strong caution to the general public over the circulation of a fraudulent recruitment announcement promoting a fake “Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29 Application Form 2026.

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In a statement released on December 26, 2025, the Acting Director of the Directorate of Army Public Relations, Colonel Anele Appolonia, explained that the recruitment notice currently being shared across social media and other online platforms did not emanate from any official or authorized Army source and should therefore be ignored.
The Army clarified that it has not commenced any recruitment or commissioning exercise for either the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or the Short Service Commission (SSC).
According to the statement, the fake announcement is part of a wider trend of online scams aimed at deceiving job seekers and extorting money from unsuspecting Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Army has not approved or announced any DSSC or SSC recruitment at this time,” the statement emphasized, adding that the information in circulation is entirely false.
The Army also reiterated its established recruitment procedures, noting that any genuine enlistment or commissioning exercise is always announced through official and verifiable platforms. These include the Nigerian Army’s official website, its authenticated social media accounts, and recognized national newspapers.
Authorities further reminded the public of a key policy frequently exploited by fraudsters: recruitment into the Nigerian Army is completely free. Applicants are not required to pay any fees at any stage of the process.
Security experts note that such fake recruitment schemes often increase during periods of economic hardship, making public awareness and vigilance especially important.
The Army urged Nigerians to exercise caution and to avoid dealing with individuals or platforms requesting money, personal information, or unofficial application forms.
Members of the public who have information about those behind the fraudulent recruitment notices were encouraged to report to the nearest security agency for investigation and possible prosecution.
As efforts continue to dismantle the scam, the Army’s message remains clear: always verify recruitment information through official channels, as fake forms can result in real financial and personal losses.