By Rear Adm. Samiu,Tokunbo2

Copyright thesun

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

The Central Naval Command (CNC), Yenagoa, Bayelsa, has commenced the retraining of its men in marksmanship and weapon handling to reduce collateral damage during engagements.

Rear Adm. Ahmad Gaya, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command (CNC), on Tuesday, led officers and ratings to the training exercise.

The exercise, which was held at the 5 Battalion Barracks of the Nigerian Army, Elele, Rivers, was basically for small arms firing and range classification.

Rear Adm. Gaya, who was represented by Rear Adm. Samiu Adepegba, the Chief Staff Officer of Central Naval Command, stated that the four-day exercise was organised for bases and units in Yenagoa and Delta States, which covers CNC headquarters, headquarters Central Fleet, NNS DELTA, NNS SOROH, and FOB FORMOSO.

“FOB ESCRAVOS will participate in the Exercise. Other participating units are NNH Warri, Base Maintenance Unit Warri, Naval Air Station Effurun, and Naval Outpost KOLUAMA II,” he said.

Gaya pointed out that the objective of the exercise is to practise personnel in weapons handling using different arms, particularly GPMG, AK47/AK56, Tavor Rifles, and Pistols of different brands, with a view to enhancing professionalism.

“I want to believe that the Command would achieve the set objective at the end of the Exercise. I, therefore, urge all the participants to put in their best to maximise the benefits of the Exercise.

“I also want to emphasise the importance of safety at the Range. Therefore, all participants are to adhere strictly to safety rules, including Range protocols.

“On this note, I want to appreciate the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, for providing all the required logistics for the Exercise,” he said.

On his part, the special guest of honour, Rear Adm. Noel Madugu, Commander Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe, commended the CNC for the exercise.

“As we are all aware, the knowledge of weapons handling is an important aspect of soldiering, without which no battle can be prosecuted or won.

“It is of note that today, Nigeria, like many nations across the globe, is contending with multifaceted and rapidly evolving security challenges.

“From the insidious threats posed by insurgency and terrorism in the northeast, to the banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes in the north-central and northwest, including the separatist agitations in the southeast.

“Indeed, the spectrum of threats is broad and complex. Of particular concern is the maritime environment, which directly impacts the roles of the Nigerian Navy.

“Therefore, stemming the tide of these threats requires the deployment of personnel with sound knowledge of weapons handling. I urge you all, therefore, to take the Exercise more seriously to maximise its benefits.

“I am aware of the efforts and logistics required to organise an exercise of this magnitude covering almost all units under the Central Naval Command.”