The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has described the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2026 as a critical platform for improving marksmanship, assessing weapon handling proficiency and strengthening combat readiness among troops.
Shaibu, represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Peter Malla, stated this while declaring the championship open at Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State.
He said the competition aligned with his command philosophy, which prioritises operational readiness, stressing that the effectiveness of a fighting force depends not only on the availability of weapons but also on the competence, confidence and discipline of personnel.
According to him, NASAC provides an opportunity to reinforce marksmanship and proficient weapon handling as essential attributes of a combat ready force.
The COAS expressed the expectation that the competition would deliver practical improvements in training standards and operational performance across the Army’s various theatres of operation.
He added that the championship was designed to strengthen weapon handling, improve fire discipline and enhance troops’ ability to engage targets accurately under demanding conditions.
Shaibu also said the exercise would enable the Army to assess existing training standards, identify areas requiring improvement and promote healthy competition, teamwork and camaraderie among formations and personnel.
He emphasised that operational plans could only achieve their intended objectives when troops possessed the skills, confidence and discipline required to handle their personal weapons accurately and decisively.
The Army chief described marksmanship as more than a competitive skill, noting that it remained a critical component of combat power that supports effective engagements, preserves fighting strength and contributes to mission success.
He further stressed the need for continuous improvements in training methods, shooting techniques and weapon handling standards, particularly in response to Nigeria’s evolving security challenges and the growing threat posed by asymmetric warfare.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, reaffirmed the Department of Army Training’s commitment to developing and implementing realistic training programmes across Nigerian Army formations.
Okoro said the department remained focused on strengthening military training to improve the professional competence and operational effectiveness of personnel.
More than 500 officers and soldiers from formations across the Nigerian Army are participating in the 2026 championship. The participating units include 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 81 and 82 Divisions; 4 Special Forces Command; Army Headquarters Garrison; and the Nigerian Army Women Command.