The Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade has issued a public advisory to residents and farmers living around its shooting range in Ohafia, Abia State, ahead of a scheduled live-fire training exercise billed to run from Monday, March 23 to Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
In a statement signed by Captain Mazinho Attah, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the brigade, the Army said the exercise, tagged First Range Classification, will take place within the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks. The training is designed to sharpen troops’ weapon handling, improve shooting accuracy, and boost overall combat readiness as part of routine military drills.
The brigade urged members of the public not to panic at the sound of gunfire during the exercise, stressing that the activity is a standard operational training programme. Residents, especially farmers and those living near the range, were strongly advised to avoid the shooting range and adjoining areas throughout the period for their own safety.
According to the Army, the exercise poses no threat to civilians provided all safety directives are strictly observed. It added that local leaders and relevant authorities in the area had already been informed ahead of the exercise, while appealing for calm, cooperation, and understanding from the host community.
