By PETER UWUMAROGIE

The 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) Nigerian Army says it will hold the first 2026 schedule of Range Classification Exercise between Monday and Tuesday at the 301 Artillery Regiment (GS) Small Arms Range, Liji, Gombe State.

Lt. Kingsley Ugwuoke, the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support), disclosed this in Gombe on Thursday.

Ugwuoke urged residents of Liji community in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State not to panic on hearing sounds of gunshots during the exercise.

“Accordingly, all those farming and hunting within the shooting range area are please advised to avoid the range area throughout the period”, he said.

He added that the exercise is a major training requirement for troops of the Nigerian Army (NA), which is a bi-annual routine, observed at all levels of the different units and formations of NA across the country.

The exercise is also aimed at refreshing the skills of professional soldiers, thereby enhancing proficiency in weapon handling to achieve good results during military operations.

In addition, it would assist in ascertaining the level of troops’ training and preparedness for battle and other assigned military duties, he said. (NAN)