| Some senior officers at the shooting range in Owode |
A stitch in time, they say, saves nine and who knows this better than the military who are constantly in the line of fire. Therefore, to improve on weapon handling and marksmanship, especially in the light of security challenges confronting the country, the personnel of the Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy recently held its 2013 Small Arms Firing Exercise (SAFEX).
The exercise which was held at 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Owode, Ogun State, had naval personnel from all units and formations under the command test their skills in weapon handling and marksmanship.
While the three-day event lasted, over 500 personnel from units and establishments in the Command took part in the event which was declared open by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Naval Training Command, Rear Admiral Azubuike Ajuonu.
According to the Command Information Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jerry Omodara, the objective of the exercise was to test the proficiency of the personnel of the Command in weapons handling with a view to selecting the best to represent the Command at the Nigerian Navy Small Arms Firing Competition.
He added that it was also aimed at improving weapon handling skills and proficiency in marksmanship, while developing personnel intuitive skills and response initiative under battle-like conditions.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour, Rear Admiral Peter Agba, said the exercise was important and strategic to naval operations.
Agbo, who is also the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Doctrine and Assessment Centre, said: “This exercise is important to the navy especially in the face of our current operations in the internal security in the country. Therefore, the exercise is coming at a very important time to improve on weapon handling skills and proficiency in marksmanship.
“I was reliably informed that the officers and ratings of the command have engaged in the displays of professionalism in the last three days. This has again shown that we must continue to train and retrain in small arms handling in order to be effective in the field.”
He added: “At the Naval Doctrine and Standard Evaluation, we always look forward to this kind of exercise which will in no small way help at achieving the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba’s strategic guidance 01.”
To reimphasize the point that leadership is only effective when the leader leads by example, the Flag Officer Commanding, (WNC), Rear Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, took to the gun like fish to water. He hit target several times and came out as the highest scorer for his set.
At the closing ceremony, Ibas commended the officers and men who participated, adding that the objectives of the exercise were achieved with the satisfactory performance of those that participated.
He said, “Based on these facts, I can comfortably state that we are on course towards our drive to professionalism as well as the transformation agenda of the navy. The lesson from the exercise will be a rewarding one in the field as I expect personnel to take home skills acquired and apply it in the field.” – Chiemelie Ezeobi
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