The Nigerian Army has dismissed a fake recruitment advertisement circulating online, warning Nigerians to ignore the fraudulent notice inviting applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said the recruitment advertisement making the rounds on social media and other online platforms did not originate from the Nigerian Army.
According to her, the Army has not commenced recruitment for the advertised course and urged members of the public to avoid falling victim to scammers using the fake notice to defraud unsuspecting applicants.
“The Nigerian Army has observed a fake advertisement circulating on social media and other online platforms, inviting applications for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 50/2027. The Nigerian Army categorically states that this advertisement is false, fraudulent and did not emanate from the Nigerian Army,” the statement read.
Colonel Anele advised prospective applicants not to submit applications, patronise websites or make payments to individuals or organisations claiming to be conducting recruitment on behalf of the Army.
“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,” she stated.
The Army reiterated that all its recruitment and commissioning exercises are conducted free of charge and are based strictly on merit, transparency and due process.
It emphasised that official recruitment announcements are only published through recognised national newspapers, the Nigerian Army’s verified social media platforms and other authorised communication channels.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to emphasise that all recruitment and commissioning exercises are strictly free, transparent and merit-based. Official recruitment announcements are made only through national newspapers, the Nigerian Army’s verified social media platforms and other recognised official communication channels. No form is sold and no person or agent is authorised to facilitate recruitment or demand payment at any stage of the process,” the statement added.
The Army warned those behind the fake recruitment exercise to immediately cease their activities, revealing that security agencies have already been mobilised to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone involved in producing or circulating the fraudulent advertisement.
“Security agencies have been activated to identify, arrest and prosecute all individuals involved in producing, circulating or using the fake advertisement to defraud innocent Nigerians. Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law,” Colonel Anele said.
She further urged Nigerians to verify any recruitment information through the Army’s official communication channels before taking any action.
The Army also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious recruitment activities or individuals demanding money in the name of the Nigerian Army to the nearest military formation or relevant security agency.
It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a transparent recruitment process and protecting citizens from fraudsters exploiting the Army’s name for personal gain.
