By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to protecting Nigeria, urging citizens to complement security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
Abbas, represented by the Chief of Administration, Rear Adm. Jonathan Mamman, spoke on Saturday during the Nigerian Navy’s fourth-quarter route march for 2025 in Abuja.
He commended personnel for turning out in large numbers and maintaining high physical fitness standards.
Abbas said physical readiness remained central to national defence, stressing that “a nation cannot be defended by unwell personnel.”
He urged personnel to take responsibility for their well-being beyond routine exercise schedules.
“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,” he said.
Abbas congratulated officers and ratings for sustaining the Navy’s quarterly fitness programme, adding that the Service remained committed to operational readiness across all theatres.
He reaffirmed that the navy was fully involved in counterterrorism and internal security operations nationwide.
“Definitely, 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.
The CNS underscored the importance of local intelligence in sustaining recent security gains.
He explained that ongoing 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 security agencies.
“Security is not the duty of the military and police alone. Citizens must provide information.
“Once we have that information, we assure you that we will do our best to protect them,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the route march, which covered over five kilometers, had officers and ratings serving within Abuja as participants. (NAN)