ROUTE MARCH: Navy Charges Personnel to Stay Combat-Ready, Uphold Human Rights
The Nigerian Navy has charged its personnel to remain combat-ready and uphold human rights while carrying out operations across the country, saying professionalism and discipline are critical to national security.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said officers and ratings must maintain peak physical and mental fitness to effectively protect Nigeria’s maritime domain and support ongoing internal security operations.
He gave the charge during the 2026 Second Quarter Route March held at the Naval Base, Admiralty Estate, Abuja.
Represented by the Chief of Communications and Information Technology, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Semiu Adepegba, the Naval Chief said physical fitness and mental alertness remain indispensable to the Service’s ability to protect Nigeria’s maritime domain and support internal security operations across the country.
He noted that the quarterly route march was designed to keep naval personnel physically fit, mentally prepared and capable of responding effectively to the demands of contemporary security operations, while also fostering esprit de corps with other security agencies.
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“The Nigerian Navy is primarily responsible for the protection of the nation’s maritime domain and is also a major contributor to the Gulf of Guinea maritime security arrangement. The Service is equally a major participant in internal security duties across the country, making it imperative for personnel to remain mentally and physically fit at all times,” he said.
According to him, sustained physical training has continued to improve the Navy’s operational performance, contributing significantly to national security, peace and economic prosperity.
The Naval Chief urged officers and ratings to remain dedicated to duty, maintain the highest level of professionalism and perform their responsibilities with utmost regard for human rights.
“I enjoin you all to keep the flag flying by diligently performing your duties while maintaining utmost regard for human rights. Continue to be law-abiding citizens and maintain cordial relationships with the civilian populace and other stakeholders,” he said.
He warned personnel against engaging in acts capable of bringing the Service into disrepute, assuring them of the Navy’s continued support through the provision of the resources required to perform their duties effectively.
Vice Admiral Abbas also reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to supporting democracy and constituted authority, urging personnel to remain loyal to the nation’s constitutional ideals.
He thanked other security agencies, members of the media and all participants for contributing to the successful conduct of the exercise, expressing confidence that the level of fitness and discipline displayed during the route march would further enhance the Navy’s operational readiness in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime and national security interests.
By PRNigeria
