The Nigerian Army has positioned its 2026 Small Arms Championship (NASAC) as a platform for assessing marksmanship, weapon-handling proficiency and combat readiness.
More than 500 officers and soldiers are participating in the competition designed to strengthen training standards and operational performance.
Declaring the championship open in Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the event aligned with operational readiness, a key pillar of his command philosophy.
The COAS who was represented at the ceremony by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Peter Malla said that “the effectiveness of a fighting force depends not only on the availability of weapons but also on the competence, confidence and discipline of the personnel who use them.”
He described NASAC as an opportunity to demonstrate marksmanship, assess proficiency in weapon handling and develop skills essential for effective combat engagement.
The Army Chief said; “the championship should produce practical improvements beyond the competition itself, particularly in weapon handling, fire discipline and the ability to engage targets under demanding conditions.”
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He also identified the event as an opportunity to assess existing training standards, identify areas requiring improvement and encourage teamwork, professional camaraderie and healthy competition among formations.
The Army Chief further stressed that marksmanship extends beyond sporting achievement to become a critical component of combat power.
According to the COAS, operational plans depend on personnel having the skills and discipline to employ their weapons accurately and decisively.
He called for continuous refinement of training methods, shooting techniques and weapon-handling standards in response to evolving security challenges and asymmetric threats.
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.
The championship has drawn participants from 1, 2, 3, 6 and 8 Divisions, 81 and 82 Divisions, 4 Special Forces Command, Army Headquarters Garrison and the Nigerian Army Women Command.
The participation of formations from across the Army provides an opportunity to assess proficiency, strengthen professional standards and reinforce a common approach to combat preparedness.
