Navy Retrains Personnel on Weapon Handling to Boost Operational Efficiency
The Nigerian Navy has commenced a four-day retraining exercise for its personnel on marksmanship and weapon handling under the Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The exercise, which began on Tuesday at the 5 Battalion Barracks, Nigerian Army, Elele in Rivers State, is the second bi-annual Small Arms Firing and Range Classification drill for officers and ratings drawn from bases and units in Yenagoa and Delta Areas.
Declaring the exercise open, Flag Officer Commanding CNC, Rear Admiral Ahmad Gaya, represented by Chief Staff Officer Rear Admiral Samiu Adepegba, said the retraining was designed to improve proficiency in handling weapons such as GPMG, AK-47/56, Tavor rifles, and pistols of various brands. He stressed that the initiative would enhance professionalism and reduce collateral damage during operations.
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“I also want to emphasise the importance of safety at the range. All participants are expected to strictly adhere to safety rules and protocols,” he cautioned.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, described weapon handling as central to modern military engagements.
He noted that Nigeria faces diverse and evolving security challenges, from insurgency and terrorism in the North-East to banditry, kidnapping, and separatist agitations in other regions, while also confronting threats in the maritime domain.
“Stemming these threats requires the deployment of personnel with sound knowledge of weapon handling. I therefore urge participants to take this exercise seriously to maximise its benefits,” Madugu said.
Both senior officers commended the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, for providing logistics support to sustain the retraining programme.
