The Nigerian Army has disowned a recruitment advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, describing it as fake, false and misleading.

The fraudulent notice claims that the application form for the Direct Short Service Course (DSSC) 29, 2026 is currently available.

In a statement issued on Friday via the Nigerian Army’s verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Acting Director, Directorate of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Anele Appolonia, said the Army had neither authorised nor announced any such recruitment exercise.

She clarified that the Nigerian Army had not commenced any recruitment or commissioning process for either the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) or the Short Service Commission (SSC).

According to her, members of the public should completely disregard the advertisement as it did not originate from the Army or any of its recognised and authorised channels.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that no recruitment exercise has been approved or announced at this time. Any information suggesting otherwise is false and should be ignored,” the statement said.

The Army further assured Nigerians that whenever recruitment exercises are officially approved, the public would be adequately informed through its official communication platforms.

These platforms, it noted, include the Nigerian Army’s official website, verified social media accounts, national newspapers and other recognised media outlets.

The Army also warned Nigerians to remain vigilant against fraudsters who take advantage of fake recruitment notices to deceive and extort unsuspecting individuals.

It reiterated that recruitment into the Nigerian Army is entirely free of charge, stressing that no individual or group had been authorised to collect money or process recruitment on behalf of the institution.

“Members of the public with information about such fraudulent activities or individuals involved are encouraged to report immediately to the nearest security agency or appropriate authorities for necessary action,” the statement added.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability and urged Nigerians to rely solely on official sources for information regarding recruitment and other Army-related activities.