On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Central Naval Command (CNC) headquartered in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, launched an intensive four-day retraining program focused on marksmanship and weapon handling. The initiative, aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of its personnel while minimizing collateral damage during engagements, is being conducted at the 5 Battalion Barracks of the Nigerian Army in Elele, Rivers State. The exercise, which emphasizes small arms firing and range classification, is designed to bolster the professionalism and combat readiness of officers and ratings stationed at various bases and units in Yenagoa and Delta Areas.
The program, identified as the second bi-annual Small Arms Firing and Range Classification exercise, underscores the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to maintaining a high level of operational preparedness in response to the nation’s evolving security challenges. The training encompasses the handling of a variety of firearms, including General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), AK47/AK56 rifles, Tavor rifles, and pistols of various brands. By focusing on these critical tools of modern warfare, the CNC aims to ensure that its personnel are not only proficient in their use but also capable of deploying them with precision and discipline in high-stakes environments.
Objectives and Structure of the Training
In his opening remarks, Rear Admiral Ahmad Gaya, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command, outlined the primary objective of the exercise: to retrain personnel in the effective and safe handling of weapons. Represented by Rear Admiral Samiu Adepegba, the Chief Staff Officer of the CNC, Gaya emphasized that the training would leverage a diverse array of small arms to achieve this goal. The exercise is structured to include practical range practice, safety drills, and adherence to established protocols, all aimed at fostering professionalism and operational excellence.
Rear Admiral Gaya expressed confidence that the exercise would meet its objectives by the end of the four-day period. He stressed the importance of safety, urging all participants to strictly adhere to range protocols and safety rules. “Safety at the range is paramount,” he noted, underscoring that compliance with these guidelines is critical to preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth execution of the training. Gaya also extended his gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, for providing the necessary logistical support, which has been instrumental in facilitating the exercise.
The training is structured to accommodate personnel from various units within the CNC’s operational jurisdiction, including those based in Yenagoa and Delta Areas. By focusing on both marksmanship and weapon handling, the program seeks to address the dual need for accuracy in engagements and the responsible use of firearms. This dual focus is particularly relevant given the complex security landscape in Nigeria, where precision and discipline can significantly reduce unintended consequences during operations.
Strategic Importance of the Exercise
The retraining program comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a broad spectrum of security challenges, ranging from insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast to banditry, kidnappings, and communal clashes in the North-Central and Northwest regions. Additionally, separatist agitations in the Southeast and persistent threats in the maritime domain, particularly in the Niger Delta, have placed significant demands on the Nigerian Navy. The maritime environment, which is critical to Nigeria’s economy due to its reliance on oil and gas exports, requires personnel who are not only skilled in combat but also capable of responding to threats with precision and restraint.
Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Operation Delta Safe, who was the special guest of honor at the event, highlighted the critical role of weapon handling in modern soldiering. Speaking to the participants, he noted that the exercise is not merely a routine training activity but a strategic necessity given the multifaceted and rapidly evolving threats facing the nation. “Nigeria, like many nations across the globe, is contending with complex security challenges,” Madugu stated. “From insurgency and terrorism to banditry and maritime threats, the spectrum of challenges is broad and requires personnel with sound knowledge of weapon handling.”
Madugu emphasized that the maritime environment, which falls under the purview of the Nigerian Navy, is particularly critical. The Niger Delta, a region rich in oil and gas resources, has long been a hotspot for illegal activities such as oil bunkering, piracy, and militancy. These activities not only threaten Nigeria’s economic stability but also pose significant risks to regional security. By equipping naval personnel with advanced skills in marksmanship and weapon handling, the CNC aims to enhance its capacity to secure the maritime domain and protect national interests.
Safety and Discipline as Core Pillars
A recurring theme in the remarks of both Rear Admiral Gaya and Rear Admiral Madugu was the importance of safety and discipline during the exercise. Both officers underscored that adherence to safety procedures and range protocols is non-negotiable. The emphasis on safety reflects the Navy’s recognition that improper handling of firearms can lead to accidents, injuries, or unintended casualties, which could undermine operational objectives and public trust.
Madugu urged participants to approach the exercise with utmost seriousness, noting that the skills acquired during the training would directly impact their ability to respond effectively to real-world threats. “I urge you all to take this exercise seriously to maximize its benefits,” he said, adding that the knowledge and discipline gained would enhance the Navy’s operational effectiveness. He also commended Vice Admiral Ogalla for his leadership and foresight in providing the resources necessary for the exercise, which he described as a critical investment in the Navy’s human capital.
Contextualizing the Training in Nigeria’s Security Landscape
To fully appreciate the significance of the CNC’s retraining program, it is essential to contextualize it within Nigeria’s broader security landscape. The country faces a complex array of threats that require a multifaceted response from its security forces. In the Northeast, the Boko Haram insurgency and its offshoots, such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to pose significant challenges, despite years of military operations. In the North-Central and Northwest, banditry and kidnappings have escalated, displacing communities and straining security resources. The Southeast has seen a rise in separatist agitations, particularly from groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which have occasionally clashed with security forces.
The maritime domain, however, presents a unique set of challenges that are particularly relevant to the Nigerian Navy. The Gulf of Guinea, where Nigeria’s coastal waters are located, has been identified as one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions due to piracy, illegal fishing, and oil theft. These activities not only threaten Nigeria’s economic lifeline but also have regional and global implications, given the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea for international shipping and energy security.
The Nigerian Navy, as the primary maritime security force in the region, plays a critical role in addressing these threats. Operations such as those conducted under the JTF Operation Delta Safe, which Madugu leads, are designed to curb illegal activities in the Niger Delta and ensure the safety of maritime assets. However, the success of these operations depends heavily on the skills and preparedness of naval personnel, making exercises like the CNC’s retraining program indispensable.
Enhancing Professionalism and Operational Readiness
The CNC’s retraining program is not only about technical proficiency but also about fostering a culture of professionalism within the Nigerian Navy. By emphasizing marksmanship, weapon handling, and safety, the exercise aims to instill a sense of discipline and responsibility among participants. This is particularly important in high-pressure environments where split-second decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
The inclusion of various types of firearms in the training reflects the diverse operational contexts in which naval personnel may find themselves. For instance, GPMGs are typically used in sustained combat scenarios, while pistols are more suited for close-quarters engagements. The AK47/AK56 and Tavor rifles, on the other hand, offer versatility in different tactical situations. By training personnel to handle these weapons effectively, the CNC is ensuring that its forces are adaptable and capable of responding to a wide range of threats.
Moreover, the focus on reducing collateral damage highlights the Navy’s commitment to ethical and responsible conduct in operations. In conflict zones, particularly in populated areas, minimizing civilian casualties and property damage is a critical aspect of maintaining public support and legitimacy. The retraining program, by emphasizing precision and safety, aligns with these broader objectives.
Logistical Support and Leadership Commitment
The success of the retraining program is underpinned by the logistical support provided by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral EI Ogalla. Both Gaya and Madugu acknowledged his role in ensuring that the exercise was adequately resourced, from the provision of firearms and ammunition to the availability of training facilities at the 5 Battalion Barracks. This support reflects the Navy’s broader commitment to capacity building and operational excellence.
The choice of the 5 Battalion Barracks in Elele, Rivers State, as the venue for the exercise is also significant. The facility, which is maintained by the Nigerian Army, offers a controlled environment for range practice and marksmanship training. The collaboration between the Navy and the Army in this context underscores the importance of inter-service cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
Looking Ahead: Implications for Naval Operations
As the four-day retraining program progresses, its outcomes are expected to have a tangible impact on the operational capabilities of the Central Naval Command. Personnel who complete the exercise will be better equipped to handle weapons with precision and confidence, enabling them to respond more effectively to threats in the maritime domain and beyond. The emphasis on safety and discipline will also contribute to the Navy’s reputation as a professional and responsible force.
In the broader context, the retraining program is a testament to the Nigerian Navy’s proactive approach to addressing the evolving security landscape. By investing in the skills and preparedness of its personnel, the Navy is positioning itself to meet the challenges of the 21st century, from combating piracy and oil theft to supporting national efforts against insurgency and other forms of insecurity.
The exercise also serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous training and professional development in the military. As threats become more complex and dynamic, security forces must adapt and evolve to remain effective. The CNC’s retraining program is a step in this direction, ensuring that its personnel are not only capable but also confident in their ability to protect Nigeria’s interests.
Conclusion
The Central Naval Command’s four-day retraining program in marksmanship and weapon handling is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of its personnel. By focusing on small arms firing, range classification, and safety protocols, the exercise addresses the dual need for technical proficiency and responsible conduct in operations. Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s multifaceted security challenges, the program underscores the Navy’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and operational excellence.
With the support of the Chief of the Naval Staff and the leadership of officers like Rear Admiral Gaya and Rear Admiral Madugu, the exercise is poised to achieve its objectives and contribute to the Navy’s broader mission of securing Nigeria’s maritime domain. As the training progresses, it will undoubtedly strengthen the CNC’s capacity to respond to threats with precision, discipline, and effectiveness, ensuring that the Nigerian Navy remains a formidable force in safeguarding the nation’s interests.