Authorities of the Nigerian Army have warned its officers and men against taking enhancement supplements or drugs to boost their physical performance.

The Chief of Personnel Management, Maj. Gen. Adewale Adekeye, gave the warning during the opening of the Nigerian Army Warrant Officers to Master Warrant Officers promotion exercise 2025 at the 2 Division Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ibadan, on Friday.

He stressed that the promotion was not a do-or-die affair and advised officers not to engage in any unwholesome practice that could endanger their lives.

Adekeye noted that the use of enhancement supplements and drugs could be dangerous and urged participants with medical challenges to inform the medical screening committee for prompt attention.

According to him, their lives are precious not only to the Nigerian Army but also to their families.

“I urge you to have confidence in the system as represented by the board members that justice will be done, such that only those proven qualified and seen to be qualified will be promoted.

“I am confident that all the participants have put in personal efforts to prepare adequately for this exercise and I look forward to seeing warrant officers display the highest standard of discipline expected of their calibre,” he said.

Adekeye further urged them to shun cheating in any form, warning that attempts to induce anyone to gain favour during or after the promotion exercise would jeopardise their chances and lead to automatic disqualification.

He also urged the board members to remain objective, diligent, and to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Adekeye said the responsibilities of a Master Warrant Officer are enormous, noting that the board had the rare privilege of selecting those who would best fit into the role.

He added that participants would undergo a compulsory medical examination to ascertain their mental and physical fitness for the rigorous activities outlined in the exercise.

The activities for the promotion, he explained, would include weapon handling, drill, current affairs, and general service knowledge.

Adekeye disclosed that about 490 warrant officers from different formations and units of the Nigerian Army had so far registered for the promotion exercise, with more still joining.

In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for finding the division worthy to host the exercise.

Nnebeife told the participants that they would undergo a two-to-three-week rigorous but fair selection process within the cantonment and urged them to put in their best to attain the Master Warrant Officer rank.

He said the board would test their abilities, technical skills, and experience acquired over the years, in the context of evolving security challenges, as well as their leadership and mentorship qualities.