Army begins promotion exercise for 1,115 warrant officers in Rivers

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

The exercise is taking place 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 on Thursday while addressing the candidates at the venue.

Adekeye urged the participants to maintain professionalism and put in their best throughout the exercise, describing the promotion board as an important step in their career development and professional advancement.

He, however, advised the candidates to perform according to their physical capabilities, stressing that their health and wellbeing remained a priority.

“Your health and wellbeing remain paramount to the Nigerian Army and your families,” Adekeye told the candidates.

He also assured the participants that members of the Promotion Board would conduct the assessment objectively and fairly, in accordance with established guidelines.

The exercise, which began on September 2 and is scheduled to end on September 22, covers documentation, certificate screening, medical examination, physical fitness tests, weapon handling, drill, computer literacy tests, written examinations and oral interviews.

Army stresses merit and professionalism

Also speaking, 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 members would deliver a fair, transparent and credible assessment, citing their experience, professional judgment and expertise.

He urged the candidates to approach the exercise with confidence and discipline, saying the process offered them an opportunity to demonstrate their competence, leadership qualities and preparedness for greater responsibilities.

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

According to Okoro, the decision demonstrates the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professional development, merit-based career progression and continuous improvement among its personnel.

He reminded the candidates that promotion was not merely about attaining a higher rank but also involved accepting greater responsibilities and meeting higher leadership 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.