No fewer than 800 officers and men of the Nigerian Navy on Saturday participated in a first-quarter route march in Lagos, aimed at enhancing operational readiness and assessing troops’ ability to effectively discharge their duties.
The 10-kilometre exercise, which drew personnel from various naval units, tested endurance, discipline, and teamwork, with participants expressing readiness to carry out their constitutional responsibilities upon completion.
Speaking at the end of the exercise, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, commended the troops for their enthusiasm and high morale, describing the drill as more than just a physical activity.
Represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Ekwom, the FOC reaffirmed the commitment of personnel to the service.
“Our loyalty will remain unwavering. Our determination to work will remain unshakeable,” he said, urging officers and men to remain steadfast in their duties.
Mustapha noted that the route march was not only a test of physical fitness and endurance but also a measure of discipline, unity, and teamwork—core values that define the Nigerian Navy.
According to him, the exercise reinforced the Navy’s foundational principles of professionalism and integrity, stressing that such tasks are achieved collectively.
“We left here as a team and returned stronger as a team,” he added, highlighting the camaraderie displayed among participants throughout the march.
He further observed that the drill demonstrated the adaptability of naval personnel, noting their ability to effectively undertake both maritime and land-based operations.
The FOC commended all participants for what he described as a successful and impactful exercise, adding that subsequent training activities would align with preparations for the Navy’s forthcoming 70th anniversary.
He urged personnel to sustain the momentum by training diligently, remaining vigilant, and upholding the highest standards of the profession.
In a similar assessment, the Command Sports Officer, Navy Captain Abdulhamid Umaru, rated the exercise “above average,” citing the high level of coordination, discipline, and peaceful conduct displayed by participants.
“The exercise is rated above average. You can see the morale among personnel and how it was conducted very peacefully and in a coordinated manner,” he said.
Umaru disclosed that the exercise featured personnel drawn from units under the Western Naval Command as well as the Naval Doctrine Command, all converging in Lagos for the drill.
He added that similar exercises were conducted simultaneously by naval units in other parts of the country, particularly those outside the Western Naval Command.
According to him, participation is expected to increase in subsequent quarters, especially as the service intensifies preparations for its 70th anniversary celebrations.
The route march forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to strengthen operational efficiency, foster teamwork, and maintain high standards of discipline among its personnel.
