Nigerian Army Launches 2026 Small Arms Championship

The Nigerian Army launched its 2026 Small Arms Championship (NASAC) in Ajilete, Owode, Ogun State, with over 500 officers and soldiers participating. The event aims to assess marksmanship, weapon-handling proficiency, and combat readiness, aligning with the operational readiness philosophy of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.

Represented by Major General Peter Malla, the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, the COAS described NASAC as a platform for demonstrating marksmanship and assessing training standards. He emphasized the importance of marksmanship in combat power and called for continuous refinement of training methods to address evolving security challenges.

Major General Valentine Okoro, the Chief of Training (Army), reaffirmed the commitment to realistic training programs across formations. Participants include divisions from 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8, as well as the 81 and 82 Divisions, 4 Special Forces Command, Army Headquarters Garrison, and the Nigerian Army Women Command.