By SUNTV Global Channel | July 30, 2026
Fresh concerns have emerged over the Nigerian Army’s latest promotion exercise following allegations that 44 officers who reportedly met all requirements for promotion to the rank of Captain were not elevated.
According to multiple military sources, 121 officers were considered eligible for promotion, but only 77 were eventually promoted, leaving 44 officers without advancement.
The affected officers are said to belong to Regular Course 68 and reportedly completed the mandatory promotion examinations in February 2024. Sources said the promotion board concluded its work in July 2026, with the final promotion list released on July 17, 2026.
The officers have allegedly expressed disappointment over the outcome, claiming they fulfilled all stipulated conditions for promotion but were excluded without any official explanation of the selection criteria. Some sources described the development as unprecedented, alleging it is the first time such a large number of qualified officers have been left out of a promotion exercise.
The situation is also reported to have affected officers from earlier intakes. According to the sources, three officers from Regular Course 66 and about 20 officers from Short Service Course 44 have exhausted their final opportunities for promotion and could now face compulsory retirement under existing military regulations.
The affected officers have reportedly appealed for intervention by the leadership of the National Assembly, urging the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army to engage with the Chief of Army Staff and review the promotion exercise to ensure fairness and transparency.
Despite their concerns, the officers were said to have reaffirmed their commitment to discipline, professionalism, and continued service to the nation while hoping the matter would receive appropriate attention.
Reacting to the allegations, the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, advised any officer with grievances to use the Nigerian Army’s established internal complaint channels rather than taking the matter to the media.
The Nigerian Army has not announced any review of the promotion exercise as of the time of this report.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates as more information becomes available.
