The Nigerian Army has officially 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 the Nigerian Army’s specialized corps to support national defense and security operations.

However, the announcement has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerian youths, with many expressing concerns over ongoing issues such as corruption, inadequate equipment, and the poor welfare of both active and retired military personnel. These concerns have, in some cases, led to protests from affected families.

A recent survey conducted by DAILY POST highlights the deep divisions among young Nigerians regarding the military offer. While some youths remain optimistic about serving the country, others are hesitant, citing unresolved challenges within the military sector.

Abubakar Haruna, 28, for instance, argued that despite the challenges, the country needs young people to step up and protect the nation. “If everyone says they won’t join the Army, who will protect the nation?” Haruna said. “We must be ready to defend our lives, our parents, and our country. We are prepared to do that.”

On the other hand, Faisal Muhammad, 30, a recent university graduate, believes that the government must first address the welfare of soldiers and provide adequate equipment. “How do you expect me to confront criminals whose weapons are more advanced than mine?” Faisal asked. “Soldiers have complained that bandits are better armed. I cannot confidently enlist in such a situation, and I doubt my parents would even allow it.”

Similarly, Ibrahim Aminu, who has been unemployed for three years, expressed frustration with the government’s approach to security personnel welfare. “The government doesn’t seem to value the lives of security personnel,” he said. “Retired junior officers suffer neglect. And society often views soldiers as oppressors or collaborators, which kills any motivation.”

These contrasting views reflect a broader debate among Nigerian youths. Some argue that comprehensive reforms are necessary before military recruitment, while others insist that urgent national security needs require immediate sacrifice and service.

In response to these differing opinions, a retired senior officer, Major Muhammad Bashir Shu’aibu Galma (Rtd.), MNI, downplayed the concerns, stating that the differences in opinion were normal. “Joining the Nigerian Army has never been compulsory,” he said. “Even in our time, many of our peers had no interest in military service.”

He also defended the decision of those who join the military out of genuine commitment, dismissing social media narratives from some former officers who express regret over their years in service. “Many senior officers today are children of former security personnel,” Major Galma noted, emphasizing the importance of service.

While acknowledging flaws in the recruitment system, particularly political interference, Major Galma appealed to politicians to ensure that only qualified and willing individuals are recruited. “Many unsuitable candidates, often forced into the system, end up deserting after training or becoming security liabilities,” he said.

Security experts are also weighing in on the issue. Detective Auwal Durumin Iya, a security expert, pointed out the urgent need for fresh recruitment due to a shortage of soldiers. “Inadequate manpower affects not just the military but also the police, who cannot secure communities effectively,” he said. “Policing is different from defending the nation against internal and external threats.”

Durumin Iya emphasized that recruitment should be accompanied by welfare reforms, including timely salary payments, adequate equipment, and proper care for the families of injured or fallen personnel. “This is what will encourage young people to enlist,” he said.

The debate comes amid increasing insecurity across the country. Just last Sunday, a tragic incident occurred in Borno State, where at least nine Nigerian soldiers were killed and several others injured when their convoy hit a landmine and came under attack. Experts have linked the incident to a lack of advanced bomb-detection equipment commonly used by military forces in more developed countries.

With the February 4, 2026, deadline for DSSC applications approaching, all eyes are on the response from Nigerian youths. Will demands for reform outweigh the call to serve, or will patriotism prevail despite the risks?