The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has urged personnel of the Nigerian Navy to remain apolitical, disciplined and professional as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Abbas made the call while addressing personnel during a route march, stressing the need for naval officers and ratings to uphold the core values of the service and avoid actions capable of bringing the Nigerian Navy into disrepute.
He demanded the highest level of professionalism from personnel, warning them against making statements, maintaining associations or engaging in activities that could compromise the neutrality and reputation of the service.
The Naval Chief said the unity and discipline demonstrated during the route march were significant, adding that the same qualities should be reflected in the discharge of duties, particularly during the forthcoming elections.
According to him, physical fitness has become increasingly important as the responsibilities of naval personnel have expanded beyond traditional maritime operations.
“Physical fitness is all the more important as naval service has grown beyond traditional responsibilities at sea.“Personnel continue to serve alongside sister services and other security agencies in joint theatres, contributing significantly to ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations,” he said.
Abbas noted that naval personnel frequently operate in challenging environments, either independently or alongside other security agencies, and may remain deployed for extended periods under intense pressure and changing tactical conditions.
He explained that effective operations depend not only on weapons, platforms and military training, but also on the physical fitness, mental resilience and adaptability of individual personnel.
“Today’s Route March reminds us that operational effectiveness begins with individual readiness, and I urge every personnel to make physical fitness a continuous habit and an integral part of professional military life,” Abbas said.
The Chief of Naval Staff also called on personnel to renew their commitment to national service and maintain the highest institutional standards while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
He stressed that naval personnel must remain physically and professionally prepared to respond whenever they are called upon to serve.
“At all times, we must remember that our sacred oath to uphold our professional standards in all aspects of operations is vital to keeping faith with our responsibility to defend our territorial integrity,” he said.
The Naval Chief’s warning comes as political activities are expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, with security agencies expected to maintain professionalism and neutrality in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
