NASAC 2026: COAS Tasks Troops On Marksmanship, Weapon-handling Proficiency
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, has described the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC) as a vital platform for demonstrating marksmanship, assessing weapon-handling proficiency and strengthening the combat effectiveness of personnel.
The COAS stated this while declaring open the 2026 edition of NASAC at Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State. He was represented at the event by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Nigerian Army, Major General Peter Malla.
He noted that the championship aligns with his command philosophy, which places operational readiness at the centre of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to enhance professionalism and combat effectiveness.
According to him, the effectiveness of a fighting force depends not only on the availability of weapons but also on the competence, confidence and discipline of personnel entrusted with their use.
“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 competence, confidence and discipline of the personnel who employ them,” he said.
The Army Chief explained that NASAC reinforces the importance of marksmanship and proficient weapon handling as essential attributes of a combat-ready force.
He expressed optimism that the activities lined up for the championship would produce practical improvements in training standards and operational performance across the various theatres of operation.
Shaibu further stated that the competition would help improve weapon-handling skills, fire discipline and the ability of personnel to engage targets effectively under demanding conditions.
He added that the championship provides an opportunity for the Nigerian Army to assess existing training standards, identify areas requiring improvement and encourage healthy competition, teamwork and camaraderie among formations and personnel.
The COAS emphasised that operational plans could only achieve their intended objectives when troops possess the requisite skills, confidence and discipline to employ their personal weapons accurately and decisively.
He described marksmanship as more than a competitive skill, noting that it remains a critical component of combat power that enhances effective engagement, preserves fighting strength and contributes directly to mission success.
According to him, the evolving security environment and increasing asymmetric threats require the Nigerian Army to continually improve its training methods, shooting techniques and weapon-handling standards.
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.
More than 500 officers and soldiers are participating in the 2026 championship.
Participating formations include the 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 81 and 82 Divisions; 4 Special Forces Command; Army Headquarters Garrison; and the Nigerian Army Women Command.
