The Central Naval Command (CNC) of the Nigerian Navy has commenced its second Bi-Annual Small Arms Firing Exercise and Range Classification for 2025. The exercise kicked off on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, at the Nigerian Army’s 343 Artillery Regiment Shooting Range in Elele, Rivers State.
The event, aimed at improving the marksmanship and weapons handling skills of naval personnel, was flagged off under the leadership of the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Ahmad Aliyu Gaya.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Commander of Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, emphasized the critical role of weapons proficiency in sustaining the Nigerian Navy’s operational effectiveness.
He highlighted the increasing complexity of today’s security landscape, particularly with emerging threats in Nigeria’s maritime and coastal areas, noting that well-trained and highly skilled personnel are essential for successful operations.
“No battle can be prosecuted or won without foundational proficiency in weapons handling,” Rear Admiral Madugu stated, urging participants to take full advantage of the training to enhance their combat readiness.
The exercise, which forms part of the Nigerian Navy’s routine capacity-building initiatives, will see personnel evaluated on various aspects of small arms proficiency, contributing to the overall mission of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain.
