- As Admiral Oamen Commends Troops’ Marksmanship, Urges Continued Vigilance
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, has applauded officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy for their exemplary performance and combat readiness demonstrated during the Command’s Small Arms Firing Exercise (SAFEX).
The Small Arms Firing Exercis which commenced Tuesday April 15, 2025 ended Wednesday April 16,at the 192 Battalion Shooting Range, Owode, Ogun State.
The two-day live-fire drill was conducted simultaneously across three major military ranges within the Command’s Area of Responsibility, including the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta and the 323 Artillery Regiment Range in Ita-Ogbolu, Akure.
Rear Admiral Oamen said the objective of SAFEX was to sharpen the shooting proficiency of personnel while deepening the camaraderie and operational coordination among naval formations.
“To all officers, ratings, and support teams present, I say Bravo Zulu for pushing your limits and proving once again that the Western Naval Command is built on grit and brotherhood,” the FOC declared.
He praised the SAFEX Organising Committee for executing a seamless operation despite logistical constraints and commended the professionalism of the range coaches and sharpshooters from the Nigerian Army’s 192 Battalion.
Emphasizing safety and teamwork, Oamen lauded all participants—including members of the media—for their discipline during the exercise, urging that the lessons from the range must guide future operations.
“There’s an adage: ‘The sea doesn’t care about your rank; it cares about your readiness.’ Today, you have proven that we are ready—but readiness isn’t a one-day feat. It is the sum of every drill, every watch, every moment you choose to go the extra mile,” he said.
He further urged naval personnel to sustain the momentum and carry forward the discipline honed on the firing range into operational theatres across the country.
Militarynews Online reports that a total of 350 personnel drawn from ships, units, and naval establishments in Lagos took part in 10 firing events. These included weapons such as the general purpose machine gun, AK-47, AK-56, M70-AB2, Tavor assault rifles, and pistols—fired from different positions and distances.
The exercise is part of a broader naval training strategy to maintain a combat-ready force capable of defending Nigeria’s maritime domain and supporting joint operations on land.
