By Kennedy Sheyin
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Idi Abbas has charged naval personnel to foster and maintain cordial relationship with the civilians of the Nigerian populace.
Abbas gave the charge at the 2026 second quarterly route march in Abuja on Saturday.
Represented by the Chief of Communication and Information Technology, Naval Headquarters, Rear Adm. Samiu Adepegba, the CNS said that the navy relationship with Nigerians gives the service its true meaning.
“Your duty to defend the territorial integrity of our fatherland will be meaningless if the Nigerian populace is not enjoying a harmonious relationship with the armed forces,” he said.
He therefore tasked the personnel to maintain professionalism in conducting their duties and day to day activities.
He also cautioned the personnel against engaging in acts that could harm the reputation of the service.
“I urge you to keep the flag flying and to be law-abiding citizens. The Navy will continue to support you and provide all that is required to function optimally in your assigned tasks.
“I charge you to show dedication to duty and unflinching support to Nigeria’s democracy and constituted authority,” he said.
Abbas emphasised on the importance of the exercise, saying that the importance of personnel physical and mental fitness could not be overemphasised.
According to him, it is key in meeting the dynamics of contemporary security operations.
“It is also aimed at developing personnel’s physical and mental alertness, as well as fostering esprit de corps with other security agencies.”
Abbas said that the Nigerian navy was saddled with the responsibility of protecting the maritime domain, contributing to the Gulf of Guinea maritime security arrangements, as well as participating in the internal security duties.
“Exercises and physical training remains the bedrock of Naval personnel’s daily mental and physical readiness for sea and ashore duties.
“Notably, the commitment of the Nigerian navy towards enhancing mental and physical fitness has yielded dividends as witnessed with the sterling contributions to national security, peace and prosperity.
“It is in recognition of this fact and the desire of the service to keep the personnel physically fit that the route march among other physical fitness exercises are sustained in the Nigerian navy schedule of events,” he said.
The CNS assured Nigerians that the navy would continue to meet up with its constitutional commitments in collaboration with other security agencies in Nigeria to improve national security. (NAN)
Edited by Deborah Coker