The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has described the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) as a veritable platform to demonstrate marksmanship, assess proficiency in weapon handling and develop skills required for effective engagement in combat.
Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Peter Malla, stated this in Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State, while declaring open the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2026. He said the championship aligns perfectly with Operational Readiness, a key pillar of his command philosophy.
“The central purpose of this event directs our attention to an enduring operational reality, that effectiveness of any fighting force depends not only on availability of weapons, but also the competence, confidence and discipline of the personnel who employ them,” the COAS said.
He noted that NASAC reinforces the importance of marksmanship and proficient weapon handling as attributes of a combat-ready force, adding that operational plans only become effective when personnel possess the skills, confidence and discipline to employ personal weapons accurately and decisively.
Beyond the pursuit of trophies, the COAS expressed hope that activities lined up for NASAC 2026 would translate into practical improvements in training and operational performance across theatres, including weapon handling, fire discipline and effective engagement of targets under demanding conditions.
He said the championship affords the Nigerian Army an opportunity to assess training standards, identify areas for improvement and promote healthy competition, teamwork and camaraderie among formations and troops, stressing that these objectives must not be lost.
Shaibu added that marksmanship is far more than a competitive skill, describing it as a critical enabler of combat power that enhances effective engagement, preserves fighting strength and contributes directly to mission success, noting that the evolving security environment and growing asymmetric threats demand continual refining of training methods, shooting techniques and weapon handling standards.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, while welcoming guests, reaffirmed the Department of Army Training’s resolve to pursue and implement realistic training across all Nigerian Army formations.
Over 500 personnel comprising officers and soldiers are participating in the championship. Participating formations include 1 Division, 2 Division, 3 Division, 6 Division, 8 Division, 81 Division, 82 Division, 4 Special Forces Command, Army Headquarters Garrison and Nigerian Army Women Command.
