November 29, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Sokoto State Government has issued a formal clarification on the recently published shortlist for the Nigerian Army Short Service Combatant Commission (SSC) Course 49/2026, distancing itself from three candidates listed under the state.
In a statement released on 26 November 2025 by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, authorities said a detailed review of the shortlist revealed that the candidates identified as Alaka Abraham (serial number 17), Sa’idu Bulus (serial number 22), and Onoja John (serial number 24) are not indigenes of Sokoto State, contrary to what was reflected on the list.
The state government emphasized that the Nigerian Army has consistently maintained that applicants must apply strictly under their state of origin, not state of residence. This requirement, it said, is designed to uphold fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the Federal Character Principle.
The statement added that the Honourable Special Adviser, Careers and Counselling Department, Alhaji Garba Bello Kebbe, had promptly notified the appropriate authorities to prevent the three individuals from taking recruitment slots reserved for bona fide Sokoto indigenes.
The government assured the public that it will continue to safeguard opportunities meant for residents of the state and ensure compliance with all federal recruitment guidelines.
