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

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

The exercise, held at the 5 Battalion Barracks of the Nigerian Army, Elele, Rivers State, focused on small arms firing and range classification.

Represented by Rear Adm. Samiu Adepegba, Chief Staff Officer of the Central Naval Command, the FOC said the four-day programme was organised for bases and units in Yenagoa and Delta areas, beginning on Tuesday. Participants included personnel from HQ CNC, HQ Central Fleet, NNS Delta, NNS Soroh, and FOB Formoso.

He explained that the objective was to train personnel in weapons handling using different arms, particularly GPMG, AK47/AK56, Tavor rifles, and pistols of various brands, in order to enhance professionalism.

“I want to believe that the Command will achieve the set objectives at the end of the exercise. I, therefore, urge all participants to put in their best to maximise its benefits. I also want to emphasise the importance of safety at the range. All participants must adhere strictly to safety rules, including range protocols,” he said.

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

He stressed that weapons handling was a vital aspect of soldiering, without which no battle could 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 banditry, kidnappings and communal clashes in the north-central and northwest, and separatist agitations in the southeast, the spectrum of threats is broad and complex.

“Of particular concern is the maritime environment, which directly impacts the roles of the Nigerian Navy. Stemming the tide of these threats requires the deployment of personnel with sound knowledge of weapons handling. I urge you all to take this exercise seriously and 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. Let me, therefore, appreciate the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E.I. Ogalla, Admiralty Medal, for providing the resources for the exercise,” he added.

The JTF Commander also emphasised the importance of safety, stressing that every participant must strictly follow established protocols and maintain range discipline.