The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, has said sustained physical fitness of personnel remains crucial to the navy’s frontline role in Gulf of Guinea security and internal operations.

Mr Ogalla, represented by the Chief of Operations, Rear Adm. Patrick Nwatu, stated this at the 2025 Nigerian Navy Third Quarter Route March on Saturday in Abuja.

He said the march was more than a fitness routine, describing it as a deliberate strategy to sharpen mental alertness, strengthen endurance, and prepare personnel for the demands of contemporary security challenges.

He stated, “The navy’s responsibilities at sea and ashore make it imperative for us to remain mentally alert and physically fit at all times.’’

Mr Ogalla said the navy had participated in the recent multinational naval drills, including Exercise Obangame Express, Free Transit, Grand African Nemo and Crocodile Lift to strengthen cooperation with regional and international partners.

According to him, the exercises also enhance maritime domain awareness and safeguard critical sea lanes in the Gulf of Guinea.

The naval chief urged personnel to remain professional, disciplined and respectful of human rights, stressing that synergy with civilians and stakeholders was essential to sustaining national peace and security.

He commended participants of the route march for their resilience, saying their performance demonstrated readiness to defend the nation when called upon.

The march drew participation from across naval units in Abuja as well as youth corps members, sister security agencies, and members of the public.

(NAN)