The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has emerged overall champion at the 2026 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship (NASAC), winning six of the seven trophies contested by 10 formations in the shooting competition.

The division clinched the title with 2,084.3 points, following what the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, described as the outcome of rigorous preparation, sustained training and determination.

Army Headquarters Garrison finished second with 1,787.6 points, while 3 Division placed third with 1,522.3 points.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Olarewaju Saka, commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the Nigerian Army’s leadership for choosing the state to host the national military competition.

Abiodun said hosting the championship underscored Ogun State’s strategic importance and peaceful atmosphere, adding that such military exercises went beyond competition to strengthen marksmanship, precision, discipline and weapons proficiency among personnel.

He said the skills acquired through the championship were essential for protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and sustaining national peace, while improving the military’s capacity to safeguard civilians.

In his closing remarks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Shaibu, represented by the Director-General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, Major General Olusegun Abai, said competitive military exercises were vital for assessing troops’ operational readiness.