The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) successfully concluded its 2025 Annual Range Classification on Monday, 15 September 2025, at the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Owode.
The exercise drew over 320 officers and soldiers of the Centre, including the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, and the Deputy Commandant. The event culminated in a well attended closing ceremony presided over by the Commandant.
In his closing address, Air Vice Marshal Mamman commended the professionalism, discipline, and strong team spirit exhibited by all officers and soldiers throughout the exercise. He emphasized that the classification exercise was more than just a marksmanship test, it was a reaffirmation of the military ethos and operational readiness that define the Armed Forces.
“The 2025 Range Classification was not just about hitting targets,” he said, “but about strengthening the spirit that makes us a formidable fighting force. To every personnel and support team who treated safety as sacred and teamwork as non-negotiable, I salute you.”
He further urged all personnel to carry forward the discipline and camaraderie demonstrated during the exercise into their future missions and deployments.
Air Vice Marshal Mamman highlighted that the exercise aligns with the vision of the Chief of Defence Staff to build a professional, people centric, and mission ready Armed Forces, capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges in a joint operational environment.
The range classification featured weapons proficiency tests, including rifle and pistol classifications, with a strong emphasis on live firing drills, adherence to safety protocols, and performance evaluations. Range coaches from the 192 Battalion were applauded for their professionalism and dedication in managing the event.
During the event, Director of Coordination, Commodore IP Udoudoh, emphasized that the successful conduct of the exercise reflects the Commandant’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence:
“The exercise tested our mental alertness, weapon handling skills, and marksmanship proficiency, all of which are critical to our ongoing security operations across the country.”
Also speaking, Director of Training, Brigadier General IO Olatunji, noted the Centre’s intention to make the Range Classification a bi-annual event, allowing more personnel to build confidence in weapon handling, a vital skill for real-life operational scenarios.
With the successful completion of the 2025 Annual Range Classification, NAFRC has once again demonstrated its commitment to excellence, discipline, and operational preparedness. The event concluded on a high note, with renewed pride among personnel and a strengthened commitment to national security.