By Joel Ajayi

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 charged the Nigeria Shooting Sport Federation (NSSF) to take deliberate steps toward restoring the lost glory of shooting sports in the country.

He also pledged full institutional support for the federation, endorsing a strategic 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 of the federation, the OSMA President assured them of his readiness to collaborate in repositioning shooting sports both nationally and internationally.

OSMA Boss recalled that Nigeria once established the first shooting range in Africa — a landmark achievement that placed the country at the forefront of the sport on the continent. However, he 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 said.

Major General Maikano pledged that OSMA’s support would come in multiple forms, including range rehabilitation, the introduction of annual championships, international collaborations, and structured military-civilian integration. 
He noted that discussions around a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) have already progressed, with board members reviewing the framework.

The proposed agreement focuses on jointly organizing and strengthening shooting sports within the military while extending structured participation to civilian counterparts.
Speaking on the importance of inclusivity, the OSMA President emphasized 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-organized 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 stated.

He called for structured programs that would integrate wounded soldiers, provide them with training and allowances, and create organized competition platforms similar to successful models in other African nations.

Major General Maikano also stressed the need for unity within the NSSF, describing shooting sports as sensitive and highly technical.
“This federation requires unity. Everyone is important. Shooting is delicate, and we must manage it carefully and collectively,” he advised.

Major General Maikano  urged the NSSF Leadership to remain inclusive and transparent, ensuring that opportunities and development initiatives benefit the entire shooting community.
Speaking Earlier, NSSF President Commodore Mohammed Shettima commended the OSMA leadership for its openness and reiterated the federation’s commitment to institutional collaboration rather than personality-driven relationships.

According to him, the partnership is designed to strengthen shooting sports development, enhance Nigeria’s international competitiveness, and create a sustainable structure that transcends individual office holders.

“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 organizations and provide long-term stability,” Shettima said.

He highlighted job creation for retired military weapon instructors as a key component of the collaboration. Many of these professionals, he explained, retire without opportunities to utilize their specialized 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.

However,  once the MoU is formally signed, the partnership could mark a significant turning point for shooting sports in Nigeria  opening new pathways for athlete development, technical excellence, rehabilitation initiatives, and global representation.

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