The National Defence College (NDC) in Nigeria has strengthened its partnership with the Nigeria Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) to improve military personnel's marksmanship and combat readiness. This partnership aims to address the country's security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. NDC Commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, emphasized the importance of regular shooting practice in sharpening troops' precision and fighting skills.
Rear Admiral Ahmed made these remarks during the launch of the National Integrated Shooting Sport Platform (NISSP) in Abuja. The NISSP is an NSSF initiative designed to coordinate shooting sports, membership registration, and competitions across military and paramilitary formations. Ahmed stressed that shooting is a vital military skill that requires continuous practice, and personnel must remain proficient in this skill.
The NDC Commandant described the partnership with the NSSF as a strategic initiative that will extend beyond the competition. He noted that the federation's expertise and resources make it a suitable partner for developing shooting sports. Ahmed urged participants to sustain their shooting practice after completing their courses at the college, emphasizing that the skills acquired must translate into readiness for deployment.
Aliyu Abubakar Sadiq, NSSF Second Vice President, represented the federation's president at the launch. He explained that the digital platform aims to bring military and paramilitary shooting agencies together for regular competitions and skills development. The initiative, themed "One Federation. One Platform. Built for Trust," focuses on improving proficiency and participation rather than promoting rivalry among security agencies.
The NISSP portal will enable military and paramilitary personnel, as well as interested members of the public, to apply for membership and participate in the federation's activities. Applicants will undergo credential verification and security checks before gaining access through the platform. These checks will include screening for criminality to ensure that only eligible individuals participate in shooting sports.
Abdul Talib Musa, Chief Executive Officer of OB Tech Technologies, the federation's technology partner, described the initiative as a digital transformation of shooting sports administration. The platform will replace spreadsheets, documents, and fragmented communications with a single coordinated system, supporting a national repository of information on athletes, shooters, and other participants.
The partnership between NDC and NSSF is expected to enhance military combat readiness and strengthen participation in shooting sports nationwide. Key stakeholders have been urged to support the federation's efforts to develop shooting sports. The initiative is seen as a game changer, marking a significant step towards improving the country's security and defense capabilities.
Key points
- The partnership aims to improve military personnel's marksmanship and combat readiness.
- The NISSP platform will enable military and paramilitary personnel to apply for membership and participate in the federation's activities.
- The initiative marks a significant step towards improving Nigeria's security and defense capabilities.
