Nigerian Navy conducts route march for 800 personnel in Lagos

No fewer than 800 officers and men of the Nigerian Navy took part in a first-quarter route march in Lagos aimed at testing fitness levels and operational readiness.

The personnel completed a 10-kilometre march, after which they expressed readiness to carry out their constitutional duties.

Speaking at the end of the exercise, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, commended the participants for their turnout and conduct. Represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Rear Admiral Nnamdi Ekwom, he said the exercise was designed to assess endurance, discipline, and teamwork.

He noted that such drills help reinforce professionalism, unity, and coordination among personnel, adding that the march also demonstrated the ability of naval officers to undertake both maritime and land-based operations.

According to him, the exercise highlighted the importance of teamwork, as personnel supported one another throughout the march.

Mustapha said further training activities would continue, with some expected to align with events marking the Navy’s 70th anniversary. He urged personnel to remain committed and maintain high standards in their duties.

Also speaking, the Command Sports Officer, Navy Captain Abdulhamid Umaru, rated the exercise “above average,” citing strong participation, coordination, and discipline among those involved.

He said about 800 personnel from different naval units in Lagos took part in the march, including those under the Western Naval Command and the Naval Doctrine Command.

Umaru added that similar exercises were conducted simultaneously by naval units in other parts of the country.

He expressed optimism that participation would increase in subsequent drills as the Navy continues preparations for its upcoming anniversary.

The route march is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to improve operational readiness and strengthen teamwork among its personnel.