The Nigerian Army has opened its 2026 Small Arms Championship (NASAC) in Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State, with more than 500 officers and soldiers participating in an exercise aimed at improving marksmanship, weapon-handling skills and combat readiness.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, represented by the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, Maj. Gen. Peter Malla, declared the championship open, describing it as a platform for assessing soldiers’ proficiency and strengthening operational effectiveness.
“The effectiveness of any fighting force depends not only on the availability of weapons, but also on the competence, confidence and discipline of the personnel who employ them,” Shaibu said.
He said the championship was designed to improve shooting accuracy, fire discipline and the ability to engage targets under demanding conditions.
According to him, the competition would also enable the Army to assess training standards, identify areas for improvement and promote teamwork and healthy competition among its formations.
Shaibu added that marksmanship remained a critical component of combat power and mission success, particularly amid evolving security challenges and asymmetric threats.
Earlier, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj. Gen. Valentine Okoro, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to realistic and effective training across its formations.
Participating units include the Army’s 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, 81st and 82nd divisions, the 4 Special Forces Command, Army Headquarters Garrison and Nigerian Army Women Command.
The championship is expected to strengthen professional competence and improve troops’ operational preparedness.
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