Joel Ajayi
The Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebrations were highlighted by an exciting novelty shooting championship that brought together personnel from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Air Force in a landmark inter-service competition.
Speaking at the Nigerian Navy Shooting Novelty Tournament, organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) as part of activities marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary, the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Idi Abbas, expressed delight at hosting participants, officials, and guests at what he described as a historic event celebrating the Navy’s legacy of professionalism, discipline, and service to the nation.
Represented by the Chief of Administration at Naval Headquarters, Abuja, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, the Naval Chief noted that the tournament reflects the core values of focus, teamwork, and discipline upheld by the Nigerian Navy, while also promoting unity and sportsmanship among the armed forces.
He extended appreciation to the Chief of Naval Staff for his support in ensuring the successful hosting of the championship, and also acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation, officials, volunteers, and other stakeholders who made the event possible. Participants were encouraged to compete in the spirit of fairness, friendship, and excellence as the Navy celebrates seven decades of service to the nation.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF), Commodore Shettima Shagir, described the tournament as a historic milestone for both the Armed Forces and the development of shooting sports in Nigeria.
He commended Vice Admiral Idi Abbas for approving the inclusion of shooting sports in the anniversary lineup, describing the decision as a significant step that made the event possible.
“Your approval of shooting sports as part of the Navy’s 70th anniversary activities made this historic event possible. The Nigerian Navy will not celebrate another 70th anniversary, and this is also the first shooting competition involving all three military services,” he said.
Shagir praised the Naval Chief for fostering unity, professionalism, and excellence by bringing together personnel from the Navy, Army, and Air Force in a healthy competitive environment. He also applauded Vice Admiral Abbas for demonstrating impressive marksmanship during the event, noting that he successfully hit five targets with five shots.
According to him, the performance set a high standard for participants and reflected strong leadership and sportsmanship.
He further expressed optimism that the championship would encourage greater participation of military personnel in shooting sports and improve Nigeria’s representation at international competitions. He noted that shooting sports globally are largely dominated by military professionals, many of whom have gone on to become Olympic medalists.
“Around the world, shooting sports are largely dominated by military personnel. Beyond competition, it also serves as recreation, professional training, and even hunting practice,” he said.
Shagir also highlighted the potential of retired military gunnery instructors and weapons specialists to support the federation as coaches, armourers, and technical officials, noting that the NSSF currently faces shortages in these areas.
He expressed the federation’s readiness to integrate trained personnel from the armed forces into various technical and coaching roles.
The tournament featured Air Rifle and Air Pistol events, with male and female participants drawn from the three services.
The Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation also acknowledged the support of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, the National Sports Commission, and members of the Navy’s 70th Anniversary Organising Committee for the successful hosting of the event.
Special recognition was given to Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel for his presence and support.
The federation expressed optimism that the championship would serve as a foundation for sustained military involvement in shooting sports and stronger representation in future international competitions.
