April 17, 2025
The Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen, has commended naval officers and personnel for their marksmanship, saying their shooting skills keep them battle-ready for any exigency.
Oamen made the remarks during the Western Naval Command Small Arms Firing Exercise and Range Classification (SAFEX), held between Tuesday and Wednesday at the 192 Battalion Shooting Range, Nigerian Army, Owode, Ogun State.
He emphasised that the exercise was not only to test their proficiency but also to strengthen the bonds among personnel, reinforcing the unity that made the command a formidable fighting force.
“Today has been a fulfilling day—the dust settling on the range and the echoes of rifle fire fading.
“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,” Oamen said.
The FOC noted that the exercise was conducted simultaneously across the Command’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) at three locations.
“The 192 Battalion Shooting Range in Owode, the 35 Artillery Brigade at Alamala Barracks in Abeokuta, and the 323 Artillery Regiment Range in Ita-Ogbolu, Akure.”
He congratulated the SAFEX Organising Committee for successfully executing the event in spite of time constraints, and also commended the sharpshooters and range coaches from the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army for their professionalism.
“I am truly impressed by the level of professionalism displayed in managing the event,” he added.
Oamen also commended all participants, including members of the press, for treating safety as sacred and teamwork as non-negotiable throughout the exercise.
He urged personnel to carry forward the discipline and lessons of the range into their daily routines and operational duties.
“Let the trust we have built here define our conduct in every future operation we’re deployed to,” he said.
“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.”
The FOC advised his men to remain sharp and vigilant, as the lessons from the exercise would guide them toward calmer seas, stronger camaraderie, and a safer nation through their service.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 350 officers and ratings from ships, units, and establishments in the Lagos area participated in ten firing events.
These included the use of the general purpose machine gun, AK-47, AK-56, M70-AB2, Tavor, and pistols, fired from various positions and distances.