The Headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy successfully conducted a three-day small arms firing exercise from Wednesday, May 14 to Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Nigerian Police Shooting Range in Asabanka community, Calabar.

The exercise, held in line with the Nigerian Navy’s 2025 schedule of events, was aimed at improving the marksmanship skills of naval personnel, enhancing weapon handling and safety, preparing troops for combat scenarios, and ensuring sustained operational readiness.

The exercise commenced with the ceremonial kickoff shot fired by Rear Admiral Danjuma Mohammed Ndanusa, who represented the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Adeshina Akinwande.

Personnel from all naval units under the Eastern Naval Command in the Calabar area, as well as trainees from the Naval War College Nigeria, participated in the exercise. The training included live-fire drills at varying distances of 200 meters, 100 meters, and 50 meters, testing the accuracy and control of participants under realistic conditions.

In a show of joint force synergy, gunnery instructors from the Nigerian Army’s 13 Brigade were also invited to provide technical support and foster inter-agency collaboration.

Participants were divided into 10-man syndicates for better supervision, skill assessment, and to encourage teamwork during the drills.

Speaking at the closing of the exercise, the FOC, Rear Admiral Saheed Adeshina Akinwande, emphasized the critical role of such training in maintaining combat readiness and professionalism within the Navy. He lauded the dedication of the personnel and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to remain mission-ready in the face of emerging security challenges.

The exercise was hailed as a resounding success, further reinforcing the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to upholding high standards of operational excellence in Nigeria’s maritime defence architecture.