Nigerian Navy Chief Charges Personnel to Support Democracy, Uphold Duty

Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff of the Nigerian Navy, has called on all officers and ratings to uphold their commitment to duty and provide unwavering support for Nigeria's democracy and its constituted authorities. This directive was issued during the 2026 Second Quarter Route March held at the Naval Base in Asokoro, Abuja.

Represented by Rear Admiral Samiu Adepegba, the Chief of Communication and Information Technology, Admiral Abbas stated that the route march exercise is crucial for boosting the physical and mental readiness of personnel. This preparedness is essential for effectively responding to the dynamic demands of modern security operations and for fostering a stronger sense of camaraderie among naval personnel and other security agencies.

"I enjoin you to continue to be professional in the conduct of your duties and day-to-day activities," Admiral Abbas urged. He cautioned against any actions that could tarnish the reputation of the service, assuring personnel that the Nigerian Navy is committed to providing the necessary resources for optimal performance in their assignments. He reiterated the importance of dedication to duty and steadfast support for democracy and legitimate governance.

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I enjoin you to continue to be professional in the conduct of your duties and day-to-day activities. Furthermore, I encourage you not to engage in any act that could bring the Service into disrepute in the course of your duty. The Nigerian Navy will continue to support you by providing all that is required to function optimally in your assigned tasks, and I charge you to show dedication to duty and unflinching support to our democracy and constituted authority.

Admiral Abbas highlighted the Nigerian Navy's constitutional mandate to protect the nation's maritime domain. This role extends to significant contributions to maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea and supporting internal security operations across the country. He stressed that these extensive responsibilities necessitate constant mental and physical fitness, making exercises like the route march fundamental to maintaining daily readiness for both sea and shore duties.

The Chief of Naval Staff also emphasized the importance of positive civil-military relations, noting that strong engagement with civilian populations aids in intelligence gathering and enhances operational effectiveness. He affirmed that the Nigerian Navy's focus on physical and mental fitness has proven beneficial, contributing significantly to national security, peace, and prosperity.

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The Nigerian Navy is primarily responsible for the protection of the nation's maritime domain and also a major contributor to the Gulf of Guinea maritime security arrangement. The Service is also a major participant in internal security duties all over the country. This makes it imperative that we be mentally and physically fit at all times. Thus, exercises and physical training remain the bedrock of naval personnel’s daily readiness for sea and shore duties.