The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, has charged naval and other military personnel to remain apolitical, non-partisan, and professional in the discharge of their duties ahead of the 2027 elections. This was stated on Saturday during 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 Adm. Kolawole Oguntuga, stressed that the support provided by military personnel during elections must remain within the limits of the law and duly authorised directives as provided by the Constitution. He demanded utmost professionalism from the personnel, tasking them to avoid statements, associations, and any other activity that could negate the service’s core values and bring the Navy to disrepute.
According to Abbas, 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. He highlighted the importance of physical fitness in the naval service, which 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.
The Naval Chief noted that personnel, whether at sea or ashore, operating singly or jointly, would operate for prolonged periods in demanding terrain, under intense pressure, and in rapidly changing tactical conditions. Success in such deployments, he said, depends not only on weapons, platforms, and training but also on the physical fitness, mental resilience, and adaptability of the individual officer or rating.
Abbas reiterated the need for personnel to renew their commitment to the service of the nation. He said 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. This, he believes, is crucial to keeping faith with their responsibility to defend Nigeria's territorial integrity.
The Naval Chief urged every personnel to make physical fitness a continuous habit and an integral part of professional military life. Today's Route March, he said, reminds personnel that operational effectiveness begins with individual readiness. He emphasized that their sacred oath to uphold professional standards in all aspects of operations is vital to their role in defending Nigeria.
In conclusion, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas called on military personnel to remain committed to upholding the core values of the Navy. By doing so, they can ensure the continued success of their operations and maintain the trust of the Nigerian people. The event was a reminder of the importance of physical fitness, professionalism, and loyalty to the nation.
Key points
- The Naval Chief of Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, urges military personnel to remain apolitical and professional ahead of the 2027 elections.
- Military personnel are tasked with maintaining physical fitness to meet the demands of their profession and upholding institutional standards.
- The Armed Forces have a solemn responsibility to support Nigeria's democratic process within the limits of the law.
