By Amaechi Agbo
In an unprecedented convergence of marksmanship and military camaraderie, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has presided over the first-ever Military inter-service novelty shooting tournament convened to commemorate the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
The historic event which took place at the Nigerian National Shooting Range, Package B, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, orchestrated under the aegis of the Naval Headquarters in collaboration with the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation, NSSF, assembled marksmen and women from the Nigerian Navy, Army and Air Force.
Competitors engaged across Point 22, Point 23 and Point 177 Calibre Air Rifle, and Air Pistol disciplines, ranging from 10 to 50 Metres Ranges, a format designed to test precision, composure, and inter-service proficiency.
In his address, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, characterized the tournament as both a symbolic milestone and a tangible investment in joint operational readiness, noting that the event transcended mere sport, as it embodied the Navy’s seven-decade legacy of excellence and its collective resolve to cultivate interoperability, discipline, and professional mastery across the Armed Forces.
“Today’s event is another fitting reminder that sport remains a powerful instrument for discipline, resilience, unity and mutual respect.
“As the Nigerian Navy celebrates its 70 years of distinguished service to our nation, we are reminded of its remarkable journey from a modest beginning in 1956 to a professional, dependable and forward -looking Maritime force.
“The Nigerian Navy has continued to play a vital role in safeguarding Nigeria’s Maritime domain, supporting unity and contributing to peace, stability and economic development.
“This year’s anniversary isn’t only a celebration of institutional longevity but also a tribute to the sacrifice, service, professionalism, and commitment to national duty.
“Let me commend the participants for the discipline, confidence and sportsmanship displayed during the tournament.
“While scores and prizes are important features of any competition, the greater value of this gathering lies in the bonds of friendship, unity and mutual respect.
“I sincerely appreciate and commend the Board and Members of the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation led by Commodore MS Shettima for their support and partnership towards the successful conduct of this tournament.
“Indeed, the NSSF’s contribution has added colour and value to the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary celebration.
“I equally commend the Organizing Committee, Officials and all those who worked behind the scene to ensure the smooth and successful conduct of the Nigeria Navy at 70 anniversary celebration.
“It’s my prayer and hope that the spirit of goodwill and camaraderie demonstrated here today will continue to guide us beyond this tournament”, the CNS concluded.
President of the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation, Commodore Mohammed Sagir Shettima, appreciated the Chief of Naval Staff for approving the inclusion of Shooting Sport as part of activities to mark the Navy’s 70th Anniversary celebration.
“This is the first-ever shooting sport tournament in the whole of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“We give the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, credit for making this happen.
“The Chief of Naval Staff brought participants from the Navy, Air Force and Army. This is the first time these services are competing in a commemorative anniversary shooting tournament like we are witnessing today.
The NSSF President thanked other Principal Officers of the Nigerian Navy, Main Organizing Committee of the Navy’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, as well as Chairman of the National Sports Commission, led by Mallam Shehu Dikko; Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, and President of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Gumel, for their roles in ensuring the success of the event.
Senior Officers and Ratings from the Army and Air Force, as well as the National Defence College lauded the initiative as a model for engendering mutual respect and cohesion among the services, while emphasizing that such engagements fortify the ethos of jointness essential to national defence and success of the Nigerian Shooting Sport Federation at national and international sporting meets.
They added that the event had set a new benchmark for future inter-service engagements, potentially expanding to encompass other disciplines that reinforce both physical acuity and inter-agency trust.
Highpoint of the novelty shooting sport competition included the exhibitive participation of the Chief of Naval Staff in the Shooting Contest, firing successful shots at targets as well as the presentation of the ‘WARRIOR-ON-THE-HORSE’ award to the Chief of Naval Staff by the Naval Chief of Administration, Admiral JM Mamman.
