By Tola Gbadamosi & Adedotun Ajayi

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The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces to decisively confront the rising wave of criminality across the country, declaring that subversive elements attempting to undermine national security will be defeated.

He made this assertion during the flag-off ceremony of the Nigerian Navy Year 2025 Small Arms Firing Exercise and Range Classification on Wednesday, in Ita-Ogbolu, Akure North Local Government area, where he served as the Special Guest of Honour.

During the event, Aiyedatiwa said the military drill was more than a routine practice, describing it as “a very vital strategy of enhancing our national security architecture” amid rising insecurity in the country.

According to him, the recent upsurge in criminal activities, including kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, was a clear indication of the need for constant training and operational preparedness by the country’s armed forces.

“These unpatriotic acts are being perpetrated by subversive elements in the country with the sole intention of reversing the appreciable gains we have made in the area of security since assumption of office by the President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR,” he said.

The governor lauded the Nigerian Navy for choosing Ondo State as the host of the 2025 edition of the Small Arms Firing Exercise and Range Classification, describing the military institution as “one of the foremost, respected and enduring” in the country.

Welcoming the Flag Officer Commanding the Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral M.G. Oamen, to the Sunshine State, Aiyedatiwa praised the Navy’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and national service.

“The exercise we are witnessing today is a testament to the dedication of Nigeria’s Navy to professionalism and excellence, and an avenue for the men of the Nigerian Navy to sharpen their skills, improve their precision, and enhance their operational effectiveness,” the governor stated.

He also acknowledged the critical role of the Nigerian Navy in securing the state’s coastal areas. He specifically commended the efforts of the officers at the Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, noting that the absence of pipeline vandalism in recent times was due to their vigilance and effective operations.

“We are indeed grateful for your efforts and also for your cooperation, collaboration, and for being a reliable partner,” he said.

Governor Aiyedatiwa pledged the full support of his administration to all security agencies in Ondo State. He reiterated his government’s readiness to provide logistics and strengthen operational capacity in the fight against all forms of criminality.

“We recognise the sacrifices being made on our behalf to keep us secure, and we are ready to partner with you always to enhance the security architecture in our dear state,” he said.

He urged the participants in the exercise to approach the training with diligence and a sense of duty, expressing optimism that the country would overcome its current security challenges.

“Let us all work together in overcoming the security challenges presently confronting us. By the special grace of God, we shall emerge victorious at the end of the day,” Aiyedatiwa added.

Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Michael Oamen said “This particular one is the final phase of the Western Naval Command, quarterly small arms firing and range classification exercise. We started on the 16th of April in Lagos, and we had this exercise take place all across the units in the Western Naval Command. So today we are finishing, and I’m very happy that we’re finishing very strong.

The essence of it is for us to sharpen the armed proficiency of our personnel so that when they are deployed for any national assignment, we know that, yes, they are ready and they have confidence to take on any adventure.

And as you know, during peacetime, our major preoccupation as a military is training and since we are bearers of arms, we must ensure that we’re very very compassionate with their weapons and they’re able to deliver on all the command.

Similarly, the Commanding Officer of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Igbokoda, Captain Aliyu Usman, described the exercise as a valuable opportunity for personnel to sharpen their skills, especially in a relatively peaceful environment like Ondo State where live-round operations are rare.

“This is a great opportunity for us to test our capabilities using live ammunition,” he said.

“Given the calm nature of Ondo State, we rarely have the chance to engage in such exercises. I encourage all personnel, and even interested members of other security agencies, to take full advantage of this. By the end of this exercise, we expect to see improved weapon proficiency, reduced risks of accidental discharges, and overall enhanced efficiency in securing our communities and the nation at large” he added