By Bavoriat Clara
In a bid to promote physical fitness, discipline, mental alertness, and esprit de corps among troops, the Defence Headquarters has launched its maiden edition of the monthly Route March Exercise, covering a total distance of 12 kilometres from Mogadishu Cantonment to Mambilla Barracks and back in Abuja.
The exercise, which commenced at the Parade Ground of Mogadishu Cantonment, is part of a renewed drive to enhance combat readiness and build synergy among personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The initiative, which will now become a regular fixture on the military calendar, is being spearheaded by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
General Musa who was represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Admiral Joseph Akpan, speaking during the exercise emphasized the central role of physical and mental fitness in sustaining military discipline and operational efficiency.
> “When you have a military, one of the key attributes you expect is discipline, and discipline encompasses physical and mental fitness,” he said. “This is why the Chief of Defence Staff has directed that this route march becomes a routine exercise from today going forward.”
Rear Admiral Akpan noted that physical activity not only enhances health but also sharpens focus and boosts morale.
Sharing his personal routine, he said,> “I walk three times a week where I stay. That’s the same advice I’ve given to the personnel. Keeping fit is a lifestyle, not just an event.”
While acknowledging that a few participants struggled to complete the march, he expressed gratitude that the exercise was conducted without any casualties. He underscored the importance of consistent physical training, particularly in light of the security challenges facing the nation.
> “Absolutely, fitness has a direct link to operational readiness. As professional soldiers, we were trained to march long distances under stress, often with weapons and gear. The way you train in peacetime is how you perform in wartime,” he remarked.
When asked about extending the exercise to other security agencies, Rear Admiral Akpan confirmed that such collaborations have taken place in the past and that future editions of the march would see wider participation.
> “We’ve always invited our counterparts in the paramilitary agencies.
This being the first in a while, it was kept within the Defence Headquarters. But going forward, we’ll extend the invitation to them as well.”He further clarified that while the Army, Navy, and Air Force already have their respective fitness programs, this particular initiative is unique to the Defence Headquarters and will now be institutionalized as a monthly event.
The route march ended with words of encouragement, hydration for participants, and a shared sense of unity among officers and men a clear signal of the military’s unwavering commitment to operational readiness and national security.
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