In accordance with the Nigerian Navy’s schedule of events for 2025, the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command conducted a three-day small arms firing exercise.

The exercise took place from Wednesday, May 14, to Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Nigerian Police Shooting Range in the Asabanka community, Calabar. All units under the Eastern Naval Command in the Calabar area and the Naval War College of Nigeria participated in the exercise.

Learnt that the exercise aimed to enhance marksmanship skills, improve weapon handling and safety, prepare troops for combat scenarios, and maintain operational readiness.

The exercise commenced with a kickoff shot fired by Rear Admiral D.M. Ndanusa, who represented the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.A. Akinwande.

It was designed to enhance the professionalism and mission readiness of naval personnel in response to emerging security threats. The exercise included full-scale live-fire drills, with participants firing various weapons at distances of 200 metres, 100 metres, and 50 metres, respectively.

Cooperation was reinforced as Nigerian Army gunnery instructors from the 13 Brigade were invited to participate in the exercise. Participants were grouped into 10-man syndicates to allow for effective supervision and guidance, testing their marksmanship skills

In his closing remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral S.A. Akinwande, emphasised the importance of such exercises in maintaining personnel proficiency and enhancing operational readiness.

He described the exercise as a resounding success, demonstrating the Eastern Naval Command’s commitment to enhancing the professionalism and mission readiness of personnel.

the guardian