By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has charged personnel of the armed forces to remain physically and mentally fit to enhance their combat readiness.

He gave the charge during the maiden Defence Headquarters Monthly Route March on Friday in Abuja.

Represented by the Chief of Defence Administration, Rear Adm. Joseph Akpan, Musa emphasised the importance of physical and mental fitness among military personnel, describing discipline and regular exercise as critical to operational effectiveness.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to building a fit and ready force, capable of rising to the country’s security challenges.

The defence chief stated that military discipline was not limited to conduct alone but includes maintaining peak physical and mental condition.

He added that “when you have a military, there are key things you expect – and one of the foremost is discipline.

“Discipline also means being fit, not just physically but mentally as well.

“The gains of sports are immense; they work out all aspects of your body – mind, mental health and physical strength.

“During operations, we carry heavy loads – backpacks, weapons – over long distances. That builds endurance.

“The way you train in peace is how you’ll fight in war. A fit soldier is a battle-ready soldier.”

The CDS assured that the physical exercise would be a regular exercise going forward, urging personnel to also make effort to keep fit in their own time.

He commended them for the display of strength during exercise , noting that there were no fatalities. (NAN)