By Kingsley Omonobi

About 1,000 officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy, joined by members of the National Youth Service Corps, participated in the fourth-quarter 10-kilometre Nigerian Navy Route March in Abuja on Saturday.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, represented by the Chief of Administration, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to safeguarding the nation against all threats. He also urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Rear Admiral Mamman commended the large turnout and the personnel’s level of physical fitness, noting that a healthy force strengthens the nation’s defence capabilities.

“Physical readiness remains central to national defence. A nation cannot be defended by unwell personnel,” he said. “I advise you to take responsibility for your physical well-being individually and weekly, apart from this quarterly route march.”

He added: “Bravo Zulu to all of you for your impressive turnout. Your health and physical fitness are vital pillars of our nation’s defence architecture. You are the first custodians of your own health. Before the medical chain comes in, you must take your physical fitness seriously.”

Addressing ongoing security challenges, the CNS emphasized that the Navy remains fully involved in nationwide operations, including counterterrorism efforts.

“The Navy is part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and we are everywhere—North-East, North-West, South-South and South-East—wherever the nation faces security challenges,” he said.

He explained that current operations are defence-led and anchored on a tri-service framework involving the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with support from the DSS, Police, and other agencies.

Vice Admiral Abbas congratulated officers and ratings for sustaining the Navy’s quarterly fitness programme and reiterated the service’s commitment to operational readiness.

He further stressed the critical role of local intelligence in consolidating recent security gains.

“Security is not the duty of the military and police alone. Citizens must provide information. Once we have that information, we will do our best to protect them,” he said.