By Aderonke Ojo
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has commended the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF) for organizing a novelty shooting competition to mark the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, Vice Admiral Abbas said the tournament created a platform for healthy rivalry while strengthening friendship, goodwill, and camaraderie among participants, stakeholders, and guests.
He stressed that sport remains a powerful tool for promoting unity, discipline, and teamwork within the Armed Forces and beyond.
The competition, the first-ever inter-service shooting tournament in Nigeria, featured personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Air Force competing in nine events.
These included Point .22 Rifle and Pistol 50 metres, Point .32 Pistol 50 metres, Point .177 Calibre Pistol and Rifle, and 10-metre Air Gun, as well as Air Rifle and Air Pistol events for both men and women.
Vice Admiral Abbas, who participated in live round Air Rifle, Shotgun, and Electronic shooting at 25 and 50 metres, said the novelty event was organized to celebrate the Navy’s seven decades of service since 1956 and to reaffirm jointness among the services.
Technical officials noted that the range of disciplines allowed participants to demonstrate versatility while adhering to international safety and scoring standards.
The Nigerian Navy topped the medals table with five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals. The Army finished second with three gold, one silver, and five bronze medals, while the Air Force placed third with one gold, six silver, and two bronze medals.
NSSF President, Commodore Mohammed Sagir Shettima, described the tournament as a historic milestone for both the Armed Forces and shooting sports development in Nigeria.
He thanked Vice Admiral Abbas for approving shooting sports as part of the anniversary activities and for demonstrating exceptional marksmanship by clearing five targets in five shots.
Commodore Shettima said the event would create more opportunities for military personnel to participate in shooting sports and represent Nigeria in international competitions.
He noted that military officers dominate shooting globally, with many Olympic medalists coming from military backgrounds, and urged retired gunnery instructors and weapons specialists to join the federation as coaches, armourers, and technical officials.
The federation also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the National Sports Commission, and the Nigerian Navy’s 70th Anniversary Organising Committee.
The event was attended by Nigeria Olympic Committee President Engr. Habu Gumel, Archery Federation of Nigeria President Alhaji Mohammed Baba Abdullahi, and other senior military officers.
A souvenir of honour was presented to the Chief of Naval Staff in recognition of his commitment to excellence, maritime security, and national development.
