The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Awwal Gambo, has said that Physical and mental alertness was key to military operations in any part of the world.
The CNS made the assertion in his remarks at the end of the third route march organised for the Naval personnel at the Mogadishu Military Cantonment on Saturday in Abuja.
Gambo said that the route march was aimed at developing personnel’s physical and mental alertness to meet the dynamics of contemporary security operations in the country.
He added that the exercise was also targeted at fostering esprit de corps and providing an avenue for relaxation for personnel in the midst of office exigencies.
“It is important to state that operational efficiency and combat readiness are predicated on mental and physical fitness of the armed forces.
“Indeed, physical fitness and mental alertness are essential for combat readiness of service personnel at all times. The 2022 third route march, therefore, offered us the opportunity to enhance our physical and mental wellbeing.“
The CNS, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Saidu Garba, also used the opportunity to commend the administration’s branch for organising the event, aimed at improving the physical and mental fitness of personnel for operational efficiency.
Gambo, however, added that the overall military performance was based on a combination of individual strength that creates a network of productivity, both mentally and physically.
He added that in the face of the current security challenges in the country, the need to keep personnel fit for operations cannot be overemphasized.
“That is why fitness and mental alertness are among the critical elements of my policy thrust, aimed at emplacing a sound mind in a sound body.
“Therefore, this event is targeted at keeping us fit for optimal performance in the discharge of our constitutional roles as Naval personnel.“
The CNS also used the opportunity to draw the personnel’s attention to the need to continue to be law abiding citizens.
He also stressed the need to continue to maintain cordial and improved relationship with the civilian populace and relevant stakeholders.
“Anything short of this, your duty to defend the territorial integrity of the country will be meaningless .
“If the populace is not enjoying harmonious relationship with the armed forces, then your efforts in the protection of Nigerians and their property is as good as nothing,“ he added.