The Nigerian Army has commenced its 2026 Warrant Officers–Master Warrant Officers Promotion Board, with 1,115 candidates participating in the exercise in Rivers State.

The promotion exercise is being held at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp, Nonwa-Gbam, in Tai Local Government Area of the state and is being hosted by Headquarters 6 Division, Nigerian Army.

The Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Major General Adewale Adekeye, disclosed this while addressing the candidates at the venue on Thursday.

Adekeye urged the participants to demonstrate professionalism and give their best throughout the exercise, describing the promotion board as an important stage in their career development and professional progression.

He also advised the candidates to perform within the limits of their physical fitness, stressing that their health and wellbeing remained a priority throughout the exercise.

The Army said members of the Promotion Board would conduct the assessment objectively and fairly in accordance with established guidelines.

The promotion exercise, which commenced on September 2 and is scheduled to end on September 22, involves a series of assessments designed to evaluate the candidates’ professional competence and readiness for increased responsibilities.

The activities include documentation, certificate screening, medical examination, physical fitness tests, weapon handling, military drills, computer literacy tests, written examinations and oral interviews.

Also speaking at the event, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division, Nigerian Army, and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Everest Okoro, welcomed Adekeye and members of the promotion board to the division.

Okoro expressed confidence that the board would deliver a fair, transparent and credible assessment, citing the experience and professional judgment of its members.

He urged the candidates to approach the exercise with confidence and discipline, saying the promotion board provides an opportunity for them to demonstrate their competence, leadership qualities and readiness to assume greater responsibilities.

The GOC also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for approving 6 Division as the venue for the exercise.

According to Okoro, the decision reflects the Army’s emphasis on professional development, merit-based career progression and continuous improvement among its personnel.

He reminded the candidates that promotion comes with increased responsibilities and higher expectations.

“Promotion is not merely about attaining a higher rank, but about assuming greater responsibilities, meeting higher leadership expectations and demonstrating increased commitment to the Service,” Okoro said.

The Army said the exercise would continue until September 22, after which successful candidates are expected to progress in their military careers in line with established promotion procedures.