The Nigerian Navy has conducted its third-quarter route march for personnel in Bayelsa State, Southern, Nigeria, as part of efforts to strengthen physical fitness, mental alertness and operational readiness.
The exercise, organised by the Headquarters, Central Naval Command, took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
The route march commenced at the parade ground of the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH and proceeded through Opolo Roundabout to Tombia Roundabout before returning to the naval base.
The exercise, which lasted about two and a half hours, was attended by the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH, Commodore Christian Okokota, alongside other senior officers and personnel.
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Speaking at the end of the exercise, the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Suleiman Ibrahim, who delivered the address of the Chief of the Naval Staff, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of personnel.
Represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Vincent Gbaranwi, the FOC said the third-quarter route march had continued the Nigerian Navy’s tradition of maintaining high standards of physical fitness and discipline.
He described the exercise as more than a routine fitness activity, saying it demonstrates the discipline, resilience, teamwork and operational readiness required of Navy personnel.
He said the increasingly complex security environment requires personnel to maintain physical endurance, mental alertness and professional competence to respond effectively to emerging threats.
According to him, physical fitness is an essential component of combat readiness and should remain a priority among naval personnel.
Rear Admiral Gbaranwi noted that the responsibilities of the Nigerian Navy had expanded beyond traditional maritime duties, with personnel increasingly working alongside sister services and other security agencies in joint operations, including counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
He said personnel operating ashore, either independently or jointly with other security agencies, are often required to work for extended periods in challenging terrain, under intense pressure and rapidly changing tactical conditions.
The Chief Staff Officer said the route march was a reminder that operational effectiveness begins with individual readiness.
He therefore urged personnel to make physical fitness a continuous habit and an integral part of their professional military life.
