The Nigerian Army has officially debunked a fraudulent recruitment advertisement circulating online that falsely invited applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027. In a statement issued on July 20, 2026, the Army declared the advertisement entirely false and criminal, urging the public to disregard it completely.
Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, signed the statement. The Army stressed that no individual or agent is authorised to collect payment or facilitate recruitment on its behalf at any stage. Security agencies have been activated to track down and prosecute those behind the fake advertisement.
Army Warns Against Payments to Fraudsters
The statement read in part: 'The public is hereby warned to disregard the fake advertisement. Prospective applicants are advised not to apply through, patronise or make payments to any individual, group or website claiming to conduct recruitment on behalf of the Nigerian Army.' The Army reiterated that all recruitment and commissioning exercises are free, transparent, and merit-based.
Official announcements are published only in national newspapers and through the Army's verified social media accounts and official channels. No recruitment form is sold, and no agent has authority to collect money from applicants.
Security Agencies Deployed to Arrest Culprits
The Army confirmed that security agencies have been deployed to identify, arrest, and prosecute everyone involved in creating, sharing, or using the fraudulent material to defraud Nigerians. Anyone found to have played a role will face criminal prosecution.
Members of the public who encounter suspicious recruitment activity linked to the Nigerian Army are advised to report it immediately to the nearest military formation or security agency, and to cross-check all recruitment information using only official Army channels.
