No fewer than 500 personnel of the Nigerian Navy have been trained in weapon handling, firing and professionalism in a three-day shooting range exercise by the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory (NNS Victory).

The exercise, which was conducted in conjunction with the Eastern Naval Command, involved all units of the Navy in the Calabar area.

Speaking on the exercise, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), NNS Victory, Commodore Rotimi Oderemi, described the training as satisfactory.

He said that the exercise was also used to check the command’s operational status as well as professionalism among personnel. The commodore said that the exercise would prepare the personnel for operational exigencies.

According to him, the exercise has enabled each unit to gain more experience in weapon handling and firing.

“Our aim is to equip our men with weapon handling, firing discipline, and, of course, professionalism, which is the bedrock of our work. 

“This is in line with the philosophy of the Chief of Naval Staff which is to have adequately trained professionals that will tackle security challenges and other imperatives towards securing our dear nation.

“This is a wake-up call. It is an avenue to show our force and reassure Nigerians that we are always available to react to security challenges. We are on top of our game,” he stated.

(NAN)