The 2026 Lieutenant-to-Captain Practical Examination of the Nigerian Army commenced on Sunday in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with 364 officers participating in the exercise.
Speaking at the June 12 Cultural Center, Examination President, Maj. Gen. Peter Malla, congratulated the candidates on their selection and described the examination as a critical milestone in their military careers.
He emphasized that success in the Army requires not only academic knowledge but also discipline, courage, dedication, and adherence to core military values.
“Your performance in this examination will define your progress in the Nigerian Army. I advise you all to approach it with seriousness and determination,” Malla said, assuring candidates that the examination officials are committed to fair and transparent assessment.
The practical examination covers essential military competencies, including tactics, low-intensity conflict management, map reading, communication, skill at arms, and physical fitness.
Designed to mirror real operational challenges, it addresses counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, internal security, and peace support operations. Candidates caught engaging in malpractice risk immediate disqualification.
Also addressing the officers, Maj. Gen. Adebayo Babalola, General Officer Commanding 81 Division, described the exercise as more than an academic test, highlighting that candidates will be evaluated on their ability to translate knowledge into practical operational action.
The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Peter Malla, tasked examination panel members to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, noting that the credibility of the exercise depends on their conduct.
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He further called for alignment of examination requirements with current security realities faced by frontline troops.
The 2026 examination activities include the setting of examination requirements, harmonization of assessment solutions, conduct of practical tests, and evaluation of candidates, culminating in the announcement of results in line with Nigerian Army regulations.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, TRADOC-NA, Lt. Col. Felicia Daniel, confirmed the commencement of the exercise in a statement on X, underscoring the Army’s commitment to a fair and transparent promotion process.