About 800 operatives of the Nigerian Navy are expected to participate in this year’s shooting range exercise of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, Calabar which began on Wednesday.

The event declared opened by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral Saheed Akinwande, in company with Commander of the NNS Victory, Commodore Ajomabi Oride, had about 150 participants.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Danjuma Ndanusa, the FOC stated that the Nigerian Navy remained committed and focused on building a virile and responsive force.

He said, “As we remained focused, let us continue to build a navy that is not only respected, but also feared by its adversaries, both at the sea and on land.’’

 Mr Akinwande noted that the annual shooting range exercise underscored navy’s unwavering commitment to operational readiness and professional excellence that it is known for.

 He urged the officers to approach the exercise with the seriousness it demands and deserves.

 He stated, “The exercise is not merely a technique. It is the affirmation of our purpose to defend the sovereignty of our nation at all times in the rapidly evolving environment. The ability to respond with precision, discipline, and accuracy remains the defining quality of the Naval force. Let each ground fire serve as a reminder of our duty to uphold the core value of our courage, professionalism, and integrity.”

 The three days shooting exercise, which had in attendance officers from the Eastern Naval Command and Nigerian Navy Reference hospital in Calabar, will end on Thursday.

(NAN)