Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre Retools Marksmanship, Weapon Handling of Personnel 

Chiemelie Ezeobi 

The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) has successfully concluded its 2025 Annual Range Classification at the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army Shooting Range, Owode, where it retooled the marksmanship and weapon handling of its personnel. 

The event, which drew participation from officers and soldiers of the Centre, ended with a closing ceremony presided over by the Commandant, NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman.

In his closing address, the Commandant lauded the professionalism, discipline, and team spirit displayed throughout the exercise. He described the event as more than a test of marksmanship, saying it was a reaffirmation of the bond and operational readiness that defines the military profession.

He said: “The 2025 Range Classification was not just about hitting targets, but about strengthening the spirit that make us a formidable fighting force. To every personnel and support team, who treated safety as sacred and teamwork as non-negotiable I salute you.”

Air Vice Marshal Mamman emphasised the importance of continuous operational readiness, urging all personnel to carry the discipline and camaraderie of the range into every mission and deployment. 

He further noted that the Range Classification aligns with the vision of the Chief of Defence Staff for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, which is to nurture a professional force that is people-centric, collaborative, and capable of meeting its constitutional responsibility in a joint environment, while also ensuring that personnel reach the peak of operational readiness in light of Nigeria’s dynamic security challenges.

The exercise featured weapon classifications, including rifle and pistol, with emphasis on live firing, safety protocols, and performance evaluations. Range coaches from the 192 Battalion were applauded for their professionalism in managing the event. Over 320 personnel from the Centre participated in the one-day Range Classification exercise, including the Commandant and the Deputy Commandant. Some of the participants noted the exercise was rewarding and essential for honing weapon handling and marksmanship skills.

Speaking during the declaration by all participants at the range, the Director of Coordination, Commodore I. P. Udoudoh, noted that the exercise was a testament to the Commandant’s resolve to champion a Centre that is operationally ready. He said: “The exercise tested our mental alertness, weapon handling skills, and marksmanship proficiency, all of which are critical for our ongoing security operations across the country.”

Similarly, the Director of Training, Brigadier General I. O. Olatunji, added that the Centre intends to make the Range Classification bi-annual, allowing more personnel to build confidence in weapon handling, crucial for real-life security engagements.

With the successful conclusion of the NAFRC 2025 Range Classification, the leadership of the Centre reaffirmed its readiness to confront emerging threats and contribute effectively to national security. The event ended with a renewed sense of pride, discipline, and commitment to duty.