The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s steadfast commitment to protecting the nation, urged citizens to complement security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
Speaking on Saturday during the Navy’s fourth-quarter route march for 2025 in Abuja, Vice Admiral Abbas, represented by the Chief of Administration, Rear Admiral Jonathan Mamman, commended personnel for their impressive turnout and high standards of physical fitness.
“Physical readiness is central to national defence. A nation cannot be defended by unwell personnel,” he stressed, urging officers and ratings to take responsibility for their own health and well-being beyond routine exercise schedules.
“Bravo Zulu to all of you for your dedication. Your health and fitness are vital pillars of our nation’s defence architecture. You are the first custodians of your own health,” he said.
The CNS congratulated personnel for sustaining the Navy’s quarterly fitness programme and reaffirmed that the Service remains fully operational and engaged in counterterrorism and internal security operations across all regions of the country.
“Definitely, the Navy is part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and we are present everywhere—North-east, North-west, South-south, and South-east wherever the nation faces security challenges,” he added.
Vice Admiral Abbas also highlighted the critical role of local intelligence in sustaining recent security gains, noted 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 it, we will do our best to act and protect the nation,” he emphasized.
The route march, which covered over five kilometres, saw officers and ratings serving within Abuja participate actively, demonstrating physical endurance and unity of purpose in safeguarding national security.
