The Eastern Naval Command, has concluded a three-day Small Arms firing exercise geared towards enhancing weapon handling, proficiency and marksmanship of the ratings and officers of the Command.
The exercise which began on Wednesday, 14th May was rounded off today, 16th May, 2025 at the Nigerian Police Shooting Range in Asabanka community in Calabar.
According to a statement by the Command on Friday, the exercise is in line with Nigerian Navy schedule of events 2025.
Explaining the efficacy of the exercise, it stated that it was designed to “enhance marksmanship skills, improve weapon handling and safety, prepare troops for combat scenarios and maintain operational readiness.
It was learnt to kick start the exercise, the kickoff shot was fired by Rear Admiral DM Ndanusa who represented the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command (FOC), Rear Admiral SA Akinwande.
Participants at the three days event, were drawn from all the units under Eastern Naval Command in Calabar Area and the Naval War College of Nigeria.
The exercise was designed to enhance the professionalism and mission readiness of naval personnel in response to emerging security threats.
Areas were troops were tested included full-scale live-fire drills, with participants firing various weapons at different distances, ranging from 50m, 100m, and 200m respectively.
The exercise presented an avenue for inter-agency cooperation and synergy as some Nigerian Army gunnery instructors from the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade were invited for the exercise.
Participants were grouped into 10-man syndicates, allowing for effective supervision and guidance, testing their marksmanship skills.
The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral SA Akinwande, in his closing remarks emphasized the importance of such exercises in maintaining personnel proficiency and enhancing operational readiness.
The Firing Exercise was a resounding success, demonstrating the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to enhancing the professionalism and mission readiness of personnel.
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