The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has charged naval and other military personnel to remain apolitical, non-partisan, and professional in discharging their duties ahead of the 2027 elections. This was stated while addressing personnel at the Third Quarter Route March 2026. Abbas emphasized that the Armed Forces have a solemn responsibility to support the democratic process.
Abbas, represented by the Director of Manning, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Kolawole Oguntuga, stressed that military personnel's support during elections must remain within the limits of the law and duly authorised directives under the Constitution. He demanded utmost professionalism from the personnel, tasking them to avoid statements, associations, and any other activity that could undermine the service's core values and bring the Navy into disrepute.
The CNS highlighted the importance of physical fitness for naval personnel, stating that it is crucial for operational effectiveness. He noted that the naval service has grown beyond traditional responsibilities at sea and that personnel continue to serve alongside sister services and other security agencies in joint theatres, contributing significantly to ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
According to Abbas, success in military operations depends not only on weapons, platforms, and training but also on the physical fitness, mental resilience, and adaptability of individual officers and ratings. He urged every personnel to make physical fitness a continuous habit and an integral part of professional military life.
The Chief of the Naval Staff reiterated the need for personnel to renew their commitment to serving the nation. He emphasized that personnel must maintain physical fitness to meet the demands of the profession, uphold institutional standards in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities, and remain operationally prepared to respond whenever duty calls.
Abbas stressed that the military operates in an increasingly complex security environment, in which personnel must have the physical endurance, mental alertness, and professional competence to respond decisively to evolving security threats. He also noted that the unity and discipline displayed during the route march were timely and significant, adding that the results should be evident during the discharge of duty in the upcoming elections.
The Naval Chief concluded by emphasizing that the sacred oath to uphold professional standards in all aspects of operations is vital to keeping faith with the responsibility to defend Nigeria's territorial integrity. He encouraged personnel to continue serving with dedication and professionalism.
Key points
- The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, urges military personnel to remain apolitical and professional ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Abbas emphasizes the importance of physical fitness for naval personnel to meet the demands of the profession.
- The Naval Chief stresses that military operations depend on physical fitness, mental resilience, and adaptability of individual officers and ratings.
