Nigeria To Host Inaugural Shooting Tournament For Military Veterans, Wounded Personnel

The Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF) has announced plans to host the first-ever National Shooting Sport Tournament for military veterans and wounded soldiers. This initiative was unveiled by Commodore Mohammed Sagir Shettima, President of the NSSF, during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Retired), at the Federal Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Thursday.

Commodore Shettima, accompanied by NSSF Board Members, congratulated Minister Musa on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He outlined the Federation’s vision, which includes improving the welfare of its members and retired, wounded, or injured military personnel, leveraging veterans’ expertise to promote shooting sport at grassroots levels, and collaborating with the Ministry of Defence to engage these individuals as coaches, technical experts, referees, and judges for local and international championships.

A key proposal is the “GENERAL C.G. MUSA NATIONAL PARA-SHOOTING TROPHY CHAMPIONSHIP,” designed to honour the distinguished service of veterans and wounded soldiers, and to acknowledge Minister Musa’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s defence sector. The NSSF believes this championship will foster camaraderie, promote the sport, and raise awareness about the welfare of wounded and injured soldiers.

The NSSF President also sought the Minister’s support in accessing a stalled twenty-thousand-dollar equipment grant, procuring modern shooting equipment, renovating dilapidated shooting ranges (including Jaji and the National Shooting Range in Abuja), and ensuring greater inclusion of wounded and injured servicemen and women in the Invictus Games (with Nigeria set to host in 2029) and the upcoming 3rd National Para Games in Abuja in March 2026.

Minister Musa thanked the delegation, praising the Federation’s initiatives as a fitting tribute to all service personnel, particularly the wounded, injured, or sick. He assured the NSSF of his support, promising to facilitate the necessary approvals and resources for the tournament’s success, emphasising the role of sport in national unity and rehabilitation.