Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has highlighted that military fitness is the foundation of unity, discipline, and national security. Speaking in Abuja during the 2025 Armed Forces and Security Agencies Route March, he stressed that physical and mental fitness help security personnel perform better and collaborate effectively.
Represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, General Musa explained that the route march symbolizes unity and shared responsibility among all security formations. He noted that modern warfare demands not only strength but also mental alertness and emotional resilience. According to him, a strong and healthy force responds faster to threats and sustains long-term readiness.
During the event, officers from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and other agencies marched through major streets in a powerful show of solidarity. The march was more than an exercise; it was a statement of commitment and teamwork. General Musa said such activities build trust, sharpen focus, and strengthen cooperation among agencies.
He encouraged all participants to adopt fitness as a daily habit rather than an occasional task. He explained that consistency develops endurance, clarity, and confidence in high-pressure missions. Through regular exercise, personnel become more agile, more responsive, and more dependable in the field. This, he said, is how security agencies can maintain professionalism and efficiency.
General Musa emphasized that collaboration among forces boosts intelligence sharing, improves coordination, and ensures swift responses to emergencies. When agencies train and move together, they build relationships that enhance operational outcomes. He added that national security requires collective effort and mutual respect among all forces.
The Defence Chief also urged officers to maintain a balance between physical health and mental stability. He stated that mental fitness is equally vital because it improves decision-making, concentration, and emotional control. As he explained, an officer who remains calm and sharp under pressure contributes more effectively to national peace and unity.
Throughout the march, participants displayed enthusiasm and discipline. The lively chants, patriotic songs, and synchronized movements filled the atmosphere with pride and motivation. Many officers expressed that the exercise rekindled their sense of purpose and strengthened their bond with colleagues across agencies.
General Musa’s message reflected his belief that strong bodies and focused minds create stronger institutions. He pointed out that military fitness represents more than physical training; it embodies endurance, teamwork, and national pride. Every officer, he said, carries the responsibility to stay fit, think clearly, and act decisively in defence of the nation.
The 2025 Route March concluded with renewed commitment from all agencies to maintain unity, discipline, and consistent training. The event reminded everyone that readiness comes through preparation, collaboration, and resilience. By promoting military fitness, General Musa continues to inspire a culture of strength, health, and solidarity within Nigeria’s security community.
His vision for a fit and united force goes beyond parade grounds; it focuses on national stability, operational success, and human excellence. Through determination and teamwork, he believes the armed forces can meet every challenge and protect the country with unwavering strength.
