The Nigeria Police Mobile Force Training College, Ila-Orangun, has announced plans to conduct a routine operational shooting exercise as part of its firearms proficiency and training programme for police personnel in Osun State.

This was disclosed in a statement by the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi on Thursday in Osogbo.

The exercise, the command disclosed, is scheduled to take place on Friday, 17 July 2026, between 6:00am and 6:00pm, at the college’s designated shooting range located within the forest camp in Ila-Orangun.

The operational shooting exercise forms part of the institution’s regular training aimed at maintaining the operational readiness and professional competence of Mobile Police officers.

“Residents of Ila-Orangun and neighbouring communities have been advised to avoid the designated shooting range throughout the exercise to ensure their safety,” the statement said.

While urging farmers, hunters and other forest users to stay away from the area during the exercise, the police advised residents not to panic upon hearing gunshots, explaining that the live firing would be conducted under strict safety procedures.

Commandant of the Nigeria Police Mobile Training College, Assistant Commissioner of Police Anietie Eyoh, assured residents that the exercise was solely for training purposes and posed no threat to the public.

Eyoh said, “The exercise is purely a training activity aimed at enhancing the operational readiness, professionalism, competency and efficiency of Mobile personnel in the course of discharging their constitutional duties, so there is no cause for alarm.”

He added that trained Mobile Police officers would supervise and conduct the exercise in line with established safety standards to ensure public safety throughout the programme.

The commandant expressed appreciation to the host community and members of the public for their understanding, collaboration and continued cooperation with the police.