81 Division Nigerian Army have emerged overall champions at the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship NASAC 2026. 81 Division emerged champions after clinching 6 out of the 7 trophies contested for by 10 formations of the Nigerian Army with a total tally of 2, 084.3 points.
This was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Iweha Ikedichi Acting deputy director army public relations 81 division Nigerian Army issued to newsmen
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Speaking at the occasion, the Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun CON, represented by the Head of Service, Ogun State, Mr Olarewaju Saka mni, commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal; and the leadership of the Nigerian Army for the choice of Ogun State as the host for the national military tournament.
According to the Governor, hosting the championship underscores Ogun’s strategic importance and its prevailing peaceful atmosphere. He added that ”Military championships go beyond mere competition; they serve as critical platforms for enhancing marksmanship, precision, discipline, and overall weapon proficiency among military personnel, which in turn, guarantees civil populations of their safety”. He added “the skills acquired through exercises like NASAC are essential for safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sustaining national peace,”
Delivering the closing remarks, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu NAM emphasised that competitive military exercises are indispensable for evaluating the operational readiness of troops. Represented by the Director General, Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General Olusegun Abai, the COAS noted that healthy rivalry extracts the highest potential from personnel to meet contemporary security threats.
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The COAS, stressing a life lessons for troops said “Life itself is built on competition, right from the very onset of creation. “NASAC 2026 was specifically designed to address modern security challenges by sharpening personnel’s proficiency in small arms handling, speed, target acquisition, and fire discipline,” the COAS stated.
In his remarks, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola mni, attributed the Division’s triumph to rigorous early preparation and determination. He added that the results was a practical reflection of the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of professional Excellence.
”The standard this year is very high, with excellent results that reflect the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of professional excellence. You can see our soldiers and officers demonstrating exceptional marksmanship. Effective training produces results, and that is what has manifested in 81 Division coming first and taking the trophies,”.
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He added that sustained training remains pivotal to enhancing the operational efficiency and tactical edge of troops in field operations.
Highlights of the ceremony include the presentation of trophies and medals to outstanding officers, soldiers, and participating formations. Army Headquarters Garrison placed Second with 1,787.6 points while 3 Division placed 3rd with 1,522.3 points.
