The Defence Headquarters has renewed its emphasis on physical fitness as a critical requirement for military readiness, urging officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to make regular exercise part of their daily routines.
The warning came as the Defence Headquarters successfully concluded its Second-Half 2026 Route March in Abuja, bringing together personnel from various departments and units to strengthen endurance, discipline, mental alertness and operational preparedness.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, the Director-General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, Major General AE Edet, congratulated personnel for completing the exercise and commended their commitment, determination and enthusiasm.
Edet stressed that physical fitness was not merely a routine military activity but an essential component of professionalism and operational effectiveness, noting that personnel must maintain the physical and mental capacity required to discharge their duties.
He encouraged officers and other personnel to sustain the spirit of the route march by incorporating regular physical activities into their daily lives and maintaining healthy lifestyles.
According to a statement issued on Friday, November 13, 2026, by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the exercise was organised to promote physical fitness, discipline, endurance and the overall well-being of Armed Forces personnel.
The route march also provided an opportunity for officers and personnel across the various departments and services within the Defence Headquarters to interact, strengthen bonds of camaraderie and promote unity.
The Defence Headquarters said the successful completion of the exercise further demonstrated its commitment to building a healthy, disciplined and combat-ready Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The military leadership continues to emphasise that physical conditioning, mental alertness and professional discipline are important elements of operational preparedness, particularly in the face of the country’s evolving security challenges.
The statement was signed by Major General Samaila Uba, Director of Defence Information, on November 13, 2026.
IBN News — Fearless, Strong & Reliable
