The Nigerian Navy marked its 70th anniversary with a Shooting Sport Novelty Tournament, held at the National Shooting Range of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria.
The event brought together senior military officers, sports administrators, participants, and invited guests in a celebration of discipline, professionalism, and unity.
The tournament formed part of activities commemorating seven decades since the establishment of the Nigerian Navy in 1956. It highlighted the Navy’s commitment to maritime security, national defence, professional excellence, and sports development within the Armed Forces.
The competition featured several categories, including Men’s and Women’s 10m Air Rifle, 10m Air Pistol, 50m .22 Rifle, .22 Pistol, and Men’s 25m .32 Pistol events.
Participants were drawn from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Air Force, showcasing discipline, precision, and sportsmanship across all categories.
A major highlight of the event was the participation of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who competed across all categories.
His involvement was widely applauded and described as a strong demonstration of leadership by example.
The tournament also attracted key stakeholders, including the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, and the President, Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation, Commodore Mohammed Shettima, among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Naval Staff commended the Nigerian Navy for its professionalism and dedication to national service over the decades.
The Naval Chief explained that the shooting tournament was introduced to promote teamwork, discipline, healthy competition, and stronger relationships among military personnel and sports stakeholders.
He commended participants for their performance and sportsmanship, noting that sports remain a strong tool for unity and cooperation.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to the Chief of Naval Staff by the Chief of Administration, Naval Headquarters, in recognition of his leadership and service to the nation.
In a unified closing remark delivered on behalf of the President, Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation, Commodore Mohammed Shettima expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Navy for making the historic tournament possible.
He noted that the event marked a milestone in shooting sports development within the Armed Forces, with the first-ever unified participation of the Navy, Army, and Air Force in a single competition
.
Shettima further commended the Chief of Naval Staff for his participation across all categories, describing it as inspirational and a boost to competitive standards.
The Shooting Federation boss emphasized the need for sustained military involvement in shooting sports, improved training facilities, and inclusion of retired professionals as coaches and technical officials.
He also appreciated the Nigerian Olympic Committee, the National Sports Commission, and all stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the tournament.
Shetimma reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Armed Forces and sporting bodies to promote shooting sports in Nigeria.
