Mixed Reactions Trail Nigerian Army Recruitment Over Security, Welfare Issues

Applications for the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) Course 29/2026 are now being accepted by the Nigerian Army, which is encouraging eligible Nigerians to apply for commissioning as officers.

The Army stated in a statement on its official X handle on Tuesday that both civilians and active military personnel with the necessary professional skills are eligible to apply for the DSSC.

Successful applicants will be commissioned into the Nigerian Army’s specialized corps to assist with national security and defense initiatives.

Deep divisions exist among young Nigerians regarding the offer, according to a survey of their opinions. Many of them cite long-standing concerns about corruption, inadequate equipment, and poor welfare for serving, retired, and fallen personnel—issues that have occasionally sparked protests by impacted families.

Despite these reservations, some young people maintain that they are prepared to serve regardless of the dangers. The 28-year-old Abubakar Haruna stated that although other people’s grievances should be taken into consideration, they shouldn’t deter patriotic service during a crucial period for the nation.

He questioned, “Who will defend the country if everyone declines to enlist in the Army?” “We have to be prepared to protect our nation, our parents, and our lives.” That is what we are ready to do.

In stark contrast, 30-year-old Faisal Muhammad, a recent college graduate, stated that he would only think about enlisting in the military once significant reforms were put into place.

“The government must prioritize the wellbeing of soldiers and supply sufficient equipment. When criminals have more sophisticated weaponry than I have, how do you think I will handle them? We hear soldiers gripe that robbers have better weapons. I don’t have the courage to enroll in such a circumstance, and I doubt my parents would even consent. “Faisal”

In a similar vein, Ibrahim Aminu, who has been unemployed for three years after graduating, declared he would not enlist in the military even though he wanted to see Nigeria’s security issues resolved.

He declared, “Even with the hardship of unemployment, I don’t see myself joining the Army.”

“It seems that the government does not regard the lives of police, troops, security personnel, or anyone else. Neglect is common among retired junior officers. Second, not everyone in society values the sacrifices made by troops; some even view them as collaborators or oppressors. Any motivation is killed by it.

These differing opinions are a reflection of a larger discussion among young Nigerians; some contend that the current security crisis necessitates immediate sacrifice and service, while others claim that significant reforms in the welfare and recruitment procedures of soldiers must occur first.

In response to the discussion, retired senior officer Major Muhammad Bashir Shu’aibu Galma (Rtd.), MNI, stated that the disagreements are typical and shouldn’t be taken seriously.

“It has never been mandatory to join the Nigerian Army,” he stated.

“Many of our peers had no interest in serving in the military even in our time.”

“Those who join with genuine commitment rarely regret their decision,” he said. Additionally, he disregarded statements made by some former officers on social media about their regrets about their years of service, cautioning that such accounts shouldn’t deter prospective candidates.

“A large number of current senior officers, including soldiers, police officers, and paramilitary personnel, are offspring of former security personnel,” he pointed out.

Major Galma did, however, acknowledge shortcomings in the recruitment process, especially political meddling, which he claimed frequently permits unfit applicants to join the armed forces.

“I urge lawmakers to permit the recruitment of only competent and willing candidates,” he stated.

“Many individuals who are coerced into the system either desert after training or turn into security risks, including supporting criminal elements.”

According to some security experts, the government still has time to rebuild young Nigerians’ faith in military duty.

Nigeria is already experiencing a troop shortage, thus new recruitment is required, according to security expert Detective Auwal Durumin Iya.

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

No matter how advanced the machinery, it still need skilled workers to operate it. Defending the country against dangers from both the inside and the outside is not the same as policing.

He called on all security services to give welfare reforms top priority.

He declared, “The government must improve welfare, ensure timely salary payments, provide adequate equipment, and care for the health and families of personnel.”

“The state must support officers if they are killed or seriously injured. Young people will be inspired to enlist by this.

The discussion takes place in the midst of deteriorating national security. Just last Sunday, a convoy of Nigerian soldiers at Bindundul village, around 20 kilometers from Kareto in Borno State, struck a landmine and came under fire, killing at least nine of them and injuring several more.

Experts have once again connected the tragedy to the military’s absence of sophisticated bomb-detection technology, which is often utilized in more industrialized nations.

The focus now shifts to how Nigerian youngsters will react as the DSSC application deadline of February 4, 2026 draws near, whether calls for change will trump the need to serve, or whether patriotism would triumph despite the hazards.