Nigerian Army to conduct live-fire exercise in Kaduna from March 23, urges residents not to panic

The Headquarters, 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, has announced plans to conduct a live-fire range classification exercise in Kaduna State next week, urging residents in neighbouring communities not to panic at the sounds of gunshots or the movement of military personnel and equipment in the area.

The exercise, described as the division’s first bi-annual range classification exercise for 2026, is scheduled to hold from March 23 to March 27 at the Nigerian Air Force Base Shooting Range in Mando, Kaduna.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 1 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Ajemusu Jingina, the army said the exercise is designed to enhance the marksmanship skills of officers and soldiers, as well as assess the serviceability of their weapons. “1 Div. urges residents of NAF Base, Mando, and neighbouring communities not to panic at the sound of gunshots or movement of troops and equipment during the period,” the statement read.

The public advisory also includes a safety restriction. Members of the public have been advised to stay away from the range area throughout the duration of the exercise for safety reasons. The division appreciated residents for their continued cooperation and understanding.

The exercise is a routine component of the Nigerian Army’s training calendar, aimed at maintaining operational readiness and ensuring that serving personnel across all ranks can handle their assigned weapons effectively. Range classification exercises are conducted periodically to keep troops combat-ready and weapons in serviceable condition — a standard military practice across the country’s various divisional commands.

The Mando area, which hosts both the Nigerian Air Force Base and a number of civilian communities, has been the site of similar exercises in previous years, with the army consistently issuing advance public notices to prevent unnecessary alarm. Residents were urged to go about their normal daily activities without fear for the duration of the five-day exercise.

a. Residents are warned not to panic and to stay away from the range area”