Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas has urged officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy to remain dedicated to duty and to offer firm support to the country’s democracy and constituted authority.
He also warned personnel against any conduct that could embarrass the service, assuring them that the Navy would continue providing what they needed to perform optimally. The charge was delivered at the 2026 Second Quarter Route March at the Naval Base, Admiralty Estate, Asokoro, Abuja.
Abbas, represented by Chief of Communication and Information Technology Rear Admiral Samiu Adepegba, said the exercise was designed to sharpen the physical and mental alertness of personnel and strengthen esprit de corps with sister agencies. He urged the troops to stay professional and avoid acts that could bring the service into disrepute.
He said the Navy’s constitutional responsibility for the maritime domain, its role in Gulf of Guinea security and its participation in internal security duties made physical and mental fitness indispensable, which was why route marches and other fitness exercises were sustained.
Stressing civil-military relations, the naval chief said cordial engagement with civilians improved intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness, and urged personnel to remain law abiding, respect human rights and maintain good relations with the population and other stakeholders.
