The President of the Organisation of Military Sports in Africa (OSMA) and Vice President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Major General Abdullahi Maikano, has urged the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF) to take deliberate and strategic steps toward restoring the lost glory of shooting sports in the country.
He also pledged full institutional support for the federation, endorsing a structured partnership aimed at reviving Nigeria’s historic shooting infrastructure and strengthening the sport’s development nationwide.
Major General Maikano made the remarks on Wednesday in Abuja when the Board of the NSSF, led by its President, Commodore Muhammed Shettima, paid him a courtesy visit.
Congratulating the newly elected executives, the OSMA President assured them of his readiness to collaborate in repositioning shooting sports at both national and international levels.
He recalled that Nigeria once established the first shooting range in Africa — a milestone that placed the country at the forefront of the sport on the continent — but lamented that the facility has since been abandoned.
“It is time to bring back the glory of shooting sports. Nigeria has the history and the capacity to lead again,” he stated.
Major General Maikano explained that OSMA’s support would extend to range rehabilitation, the introduction of annual championships, international collaborations, and structured military-civilian integration.
He disclosed that discussions on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have advanced, with board members currently reviewing the proposed framework.
The proposed agreement seeks to jointly organise and strengthen shooting sports within the military while expanding structured participation to civilian athletes.
Highlighting the importance of inclusivity, the OSMA President emphasised the role shooting sports can play in rehabilitating wounded soldiers. He noted that only a few African countries — including South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe — have well-organised systems supporting wounded soldiers within military barracks.
“In shooting, even if you are in a wheelchair, you can compete effectively. It is a sport of precision and focus. We will take this aspect very seriously,” he said.
He called for structured programmes that would integrate wounded soldiers, provide training and allowances, and establish organised competition platforms modelled after successful systems in other African nations.
Major General Maikano also stressed the need for unity within the NSSF, describing shooting sports as highly technical and sensitive.
“This federation requires unity. Everyone is important. Shooting is delicate, and we must manage it carefully and collectively,” he advised, urging the leadership to remain inclusive and transparent in its developmental initiatives.
Earlier, NSSF President Commodore Muhammed Shettima commended OSMA’s leadership for its openness and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to building an institutional, rather than personality-driven, partnership.
“We do not want a relationship that is personality-driven. We want an institutional framework, possibly through a Memorandum of Understanding, that will strengthen both our organisations and provide long-term stability,” Shettima said.
He identified job creation for retired military weapons instructors as a key component of the collaboration, noting that many retire without opportunities to apply their specialised skills. Through structured engagement, they could serve as certified coaches, range managers, and technical experts.
“Just like in golf where every player works with a coach or caddie, we envision a system where anyone going to the shooting range is guided by trained professionals. This will not only improve standards but also create meaningful opportunities for our retirees,” he added.
Once formally signed, the MoU is expected to mark a significant turning point for shooting sports in Nigeria, opening new pathways for athlete development, technical excellence, rehabilitation initiatives, and enhanced global representation.
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