The Nigerian Army has begun a four-day night live firing exercise in Abia State, running from Monday, March 30 to Thursday, April 2, 2026. The exercise is taking place at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks Shooting Range in Ebem Ohafia, according to a statement by Captain Muyiwa Ayara, speaking for the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations. It forms part of ongoing training to boost the combat readiness and night operational skills of military personnel.
Residents of Ohafia and nearby communities have been warned not to panic over loud gunfire sounds during the nights. The Army urged hunters and unauthorized persons to avoid the shooting range and its surroundings for safety reasons. The public is also encouraged to share the alert widely to prevent fear or confusion.
The 14 Brigade HQ Nigerian Army emphasized its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and thanked locals for their ongoing support.
A military exercise scheduled for 2026 raises immediate questions about the accuracy of the date, given the current year. If the date is a typographical error, it undermines the credibility of the announcement. For residents, the real concern is whether such drills, whenever held, come with effective communication and safety enforcement. A notice alone cannot guarantee compliance if past patterns of poor public alerts persist.
