208 Army officers write Lt. to Capt. promotion examination

The Nigerian Army on Sunday commenced the 2025 Lt. to Capt. practical promotion examination, with 208 candidates participating in Kaduna.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the week-long examination is being conducted by the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army.
Addressing the candidates, the President of the Examination Board, Commander, TRADOC , Maj.-Gen. Kevin Aligbe,. charged them to focus fully on the important task ahead.

He said, “The examination aims to evaluate the officers’ proficiency in various aspects of the military profession, including command ability, tactical employment, and physical fitness.”

Aligbe also emphasised the importance of the examination, stating that it was a critical milestone in the officers’ careers.

He urged the candidates to remain focused, intuitive, and confident in their abilities, assuring them that the examination board was committed to transparency and fairness.

Aligbe disclosed that subjects to cover during the examination include tactics and low intensity conflicts, map reading, communication and skills at arms proficiency test.

Others are driving and maintenance, administration in the field, French language and physical fitness test.
Aligbe said: “Candidates are required to score a minimum of 50 per cent in all the subjects, with a minimum aggregate score of 60 per cent overall score to pass the examination.

“Let me remind you that Army Headquarters policy allows a maximum of three attempts for any candidate to pass this examination.

“I urge you all, particularly the candidates on their second attempt, to put in your best in order to obtain the minimum marks required to earn a pass.
“Be confident in yourselves and do not be discouraged.

“Just be focused and I assure you that if you give your best, you will pass the examination.”

According to the commander, to ensure the integrity of the examination, the Nigerian Army has put in place strict security measures, including video coverage and invigilation by experienced officers.

“The top-performing officers will be rewarded with Certificates of Excellence and Letters of Commendation, as well as cash gifts.

“We shall, in the conduct of this examination, be guided by good conscience and the extant provisions of the NA Charter r Promotion Examinations (Revised) September 2022, “he said.

Aligbe added that there was no need to be pessimistic or contemplate failure, adding, “this is if you have prepared well for this examination.

“In fact, our desire is to see all of you pass this examination.

“On our part, I assure you of our determination to carry out a meticulous and painstaking assessment of your performances and accurate recording of your marks.

“We shall be firm, but fair to all of you and will not tolerate any actions that would jeopardize the integrity of the process.”

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding ,(GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, urged the candidates to put in their best in passing the examination with all sense of integrity.

Saraso appreciated the Chief of Army Staff , Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the division to host the promotion.

He urged the candidates to take the examination seriously as it was a critical milestone to their progression career in the army.(NAN)

BREAKING; Nigerian Army General makes historic parachute jump from moving aeroplane

During airborne training in Kaduna State, Nigerian Army Brig. Gen. Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu made history on Wednesday by becoming the second person in the Nigerian Army to ever execute such a daring jump from a moving plane.

He accomplished this feat by making a spectacular leap from a moving aircraft and landing with the help of a parachute.

“The General has in a remarkable display of leadership and bravery, achieved a historic airborne feat, matching the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General KTJ Minimah.

”As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Lt Gen Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.

“Brig Gen Aliyu’s jump was more than just a personal achievement; it demonstrated his commitment to the future of the Nigerian Army. He was not alone in this feat, as cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) joined him, marking their first parachute jump and the beginning of their careers as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“By leading from the front, Brig Gen Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s enduring ethos: “No guts, no glory.” This moment was not just an airborne jump, but a lesson in leadership. For the cadets who jumped alongside him, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.

“Brig Gen Aliyu’s action embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, where leaders do not just issue orders, but share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead. As the Nigerian Army continues to shape its future leaders, Brig Gen AS Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as a lasting inspiration, reminding them that leadership is about stepping forward, into the unknown, with those who will one day take up the mantle, the Nigerian Army told journalists.

JUST IN; 358 suspected Terrorists killed, 431 others arrested by Military personnel

The Defence Headquarters says troops have eliminated no fewer than 358 terrorists, apprehended 431 suspects and rescued 249 kidnapped hostages between Jan. 1 and 31.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Friday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops had continued to sustain the tempo in defeating terrorists and their cohorts in ongoing counter terrorist and insurgency operations across the country.

He said the troops recovered 370 weapons and 4,972 ammunitions, comprising 105 AK47 rifles, 25 locally fabricated guns, and 32 dane guns.

Buba added that 23 pump action guns, 3,066 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 758 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 980 cartridges, 72 assorted arms and 500 assorted ammunitions were also recovered.

In the North East, Buba said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had sustained the tempo against terrorists and their cohorts across the theatre during the month.

He said the troops launched both ground and air offensives on terrorists, neutralising 193 terrorists, apprehended 89 suspects and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages.

According to him, troops recorded 95 surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ combatants and their families.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke, neutralised 22 violent extremists, nabbed 149 and rescued 73 kidnap hostages

He said that the troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma, neutralised 102 terrorists, arrested 134 suspects and rescued 100 kidnapped hostages with a large cache of arms and ammunition.

In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, apprehended 59 perpetrators of oil theft and denied them of an estimated sum of over N2 billion.

He said the troops also recovered 2.7 million litres of stolen crude oil, 42,515 litres of illegally refined AGO, 200 litres of DPK and 2,250 litres of PMS amongst other items.

In the South East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 57 suspects and rescued 37 kidnap hostages.

“Overall, the armed forces continue to fight admirably in defeating terrorists and their cohorts across the country.

“Troops remain focused on creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens is assured,” he added. (NAN)