No fewer than 800 personnel of the Nigerian Navy participated in a 10-kilometre route march in Lagos as part of first-quarter training aimed at strengthening operational readiness and troop cohesion.

The exercise, which drew officers and ratings from multiple naval units within the Lagos area, was designed to assess physical endurance, discipline, and teamwork among personnel.

Speaking after the drill, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Abubakar Mustapha, commended participants for their high morale and commitment, describing the march as a critical component of military preparedness.

Represented by the Chief Staff Officer, Nnamdi Ekwom, the FOC emphasised that the exercise went beyond physical fitness, highlighting its role in reinforcing unity and professionalism within the service.

He said the drill underscored the Navy’s core values of discipline, integrity, and teamwork, noting that such exercises are essential in building cohesion among personnel.

According to him, the successful completion of the march demonstrated the ability of naval forces to adapt to both maritime and land-based operations.

Also speaking, the Command Sports Officer, Abdulhamid Umaru, rated the exercise “above average,” citing strong coordination, peaceful conduct and impressive turnout.

He confirmed that the participants were drawn from the Western Naval Command and the Naval Doctrine Command, while similar drills were conducted simultaneously by other units across the country.

Umaru expressed optimism that participation would increase in subsequent exercises, particularly as the Navy intensifies preparations for its forthcoming 70th anniversary.

The route march forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to enhance operational efficiency, promote discipline and ensure sustained readiness among its personnel.