Over 500 Troops Participate IN NASAC 2026 As COAS Stresses Combat Readiness
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing troops’ combat readiness, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, identifying marksmanship and weapon-handling proficiency as critical requirements for success in military operations.
Shaibu made this known at the opening ceremony of the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) 2026, held at Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State.
Represented by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Major General Peter Malla, the COAS described the championship as an important avenue for testing soldiers’ shooting abilities, evaluating their proficiency in handling weapons and developing the skills necessary for effective performance in combat.
He said the exercise supports his command philosophy, which identifies operational readiness as a key priority for the Nigerian Army.
The Army Chief stressed that possessing sophisticated weapons alone does not guarantee operational success, adding that troops must demonstrate competence, confidence and discipline in deploying available weapons effectively.
He noted that the championship was designed not merely to determine winners but also to translate competitive activities into improved training outcomes and enhanced operational performance across the Army’s various theatres of operation.
According to him, the competition would strengthen troops’ weapon-handling capabilities, promote fire discipline and improve their ability to engage targets under challenging conditions.
Shaibu also highlighted the importance of the championship in evaluating training standards, identifying weaknesses and promoting healthy competition, teamwork and camaraderie among formations.
He maintained that effective military operations depend significantly on the ability of personnel to handle their weapons accurately and decisively, describing marksmanship as a fundamental element of combat power.
The COAS explained that proficiency in weapon handling contributes to effective target engagement, the preservation of fighting strength and the successful execution of operational missions.
He further observed that the changing security landscape and the growing threat of asymmetric warfare make continuous improvements in military training, shooting techniques and weapon-handling standards imperative.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Valentine Okoro, reiterated the Department of Army Training’s determination to promote realistic and effective training across all Nigerian Army formations.
The championship has attracted more than 500 officers and soldiers from various formations of the Nigerian Army.
The participating formations are the 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.
The event is expected to provide an opportunity for participating personnel to demonstrate their shooting proficiency while strengthening professional standards, operational preparedness and cooperation across the Nigerian Army.
