No fewer than 364 officers of the Nigerian Army on Sunday commenced the 2026 Lieutenant-to-Captain practical promotion examination in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The examination is taking place at the June 12 Cultural Centre, where the Examination President, Maj.-Gen. Peter Malla, addressed the candidates and congratulated them on being selected for the promotion exercise.

Maj.-Gen. Malla described the examination as a critical milestone in the officers’ military careers, noting that it provides an opportunity to build a solid foundation for future professional advancement in the Army.

He stressed that progression in the Nigerian Army goes beyond academic knowledge, emphasising the importance of discipline, courage, dedication and strict adherence to the service’s core values.

According to him, candidates’ performance in the examination would significantly influence their career progression, urging them to approach the exercise with seriousness and determination.

The examination president explained that the test covers key military competencies such as tactics and low-intensity conflicts, map reading, communication, skill at arms and physical fitness. He added that the assessment is structured to mirror real-life operational challenges, including counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, internal security and peace support operations.

Maj.-Gen. Malla warned that any form of examination malpractice, including cheating or unauthorised communication, would attract immediate disqualification in line with the Nigerian Army Charter for Promotion Examinations, stressing that the integrity of the process would not be compromised.

He assured the candidates of a fair, transparent and unbiased assessment, while encouraging them to remain focused, confident and committed to lawful success.

Also speaking, the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Adebayo Babalola, described the promotion examination as more than an academic exercise, noting that it was a test of the officers’ readiness to assume higher responsibilities within the service.