By Nitoni Osain, Yenagoa
In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to operational excellence, the Central Command has executed two major training exercises within 24 hours, sharpening both the combat marksmanship and physical fitness of its personnel.
The rigorous training schedule culminated with the closing of the Second Bi-annual Small Arms Firing Exercise on one day, followed immediately by the successful execution of the Third Quarter Route March the next.
The back-to-back events underscore a holistic strategy to ensure personnel are prepared for the diverse security challenges within the nation’s maritime and land theatres.
The Firing Exercise, a three-day event focused on weapons proficiency, was declared closed with the Flag Officer Commanding Central Naval Command Rear Admiral Ahmad Aliyu Gaya hailing its success.
He further stated, “The events have rekindled your skills on weapons handling and marksmanship… we have achieved the set objective of enhancing operational efficiency.”
The exercise was notably conducted without incident, a fact for which the command congratulated all participants.
No sooner had the echoes of the live-fire range faded than personnel were assembled for the Route March in Yenagoa.
This exercise reinforced the Navy’s commitment to the physical endurance required for modern military duties. Rear Admiral Gaya emphasized that the march was designed to “foster esprit de corps, comradeship, promote physical fitness and show of force as a Service.”
The timing of these exercises is no coincidence. In speeches at both events, the FOC pointed to the expanding spectrum of threats across the country as the driving force behind this intense focus on readiness.
The consecutive scheduling simulates the high-tempo operational demands placed on the armed forces.
A significant announcement during the Route March was the revelation of a newly upgraded Command gymnasium, fitted with modern equipment provided under the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E. I. Ogalla.
This investment provides personnel with the tools to maintain the physical fitness demonstrated during the exercises.
Both events concluded with a unified call for vigilance, professionalism, and adherence to military ethics while interacting with the public.
The seamless execution of two major exercises in rapid succession sends a clear message of the Nigerian Navy’s high state of readiness and its commitment to the nation’s security.