The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, 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. The Chief of Army Staff, represented by the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Peter Malla, made this assession in Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State, while declaring open, the the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2026. He averred that 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 competitence, confidence and discipline of the personnel who employ them” the COAS said. He added that NASAC reinforces the importance of marksmanship and proficient weapon handling as attribute s of a combat ready force.
Beyond the pursuit of trophies, the COAS expressed the hope that the activities lined up for NASAC 2026 would translate into practical improvements in training and operational performance across theatres of operation. He equally expressed the desire that the Championship would lead to improvements in weapon handling, fire discipline and effective engagement of targets under demanding conditions. He added that the championship affords the Nigerian Army an opportunity to assess training standards, identify areas for improvement and promote healthy competition, team work and comaraderie amongst Formations and troops. These he stressed must not be lost in the exercise.
He used the occasion to reiterate that operational plans only become effective when personnel possess the skills, confidence and discipline required to employ personal weapons accurately and decisively. This he posited, makes marksmanship far more than a competitive skill, it transcends to become a critical enabler of combat power that enhances effective engagement, preserves fighting strength and contributes directly to mission success. The evolving security environment and growing asymmetric threats demand that continual refining of training methods, shooting techniques and standards of weapon handling.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army) Major General Valentine Okoro, while welcoming guests at the occasion, reaffirmed the Department of Army Training’s resolve to pursue and implement realistic trainings across all Nigerian Army Formations.
Over five hundred personnel are participating in the championship comprising Officers and soldiers. 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.
