The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed that physical fitness remains fundamental to combat readiness and operational effectiveness within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Musa made the assertion on Friday at the 2026 International Military Sports Council (CISM) Day celebration held at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment in Abuja.
He was represented at the event by retired Rear Admiral Olu Bankole.
According to the minister, physical fitness is not merely a routine requirement for military personnel but a core element of operational success.
“A physically prepared and well-trained officer is a critical component of a capable Armed Forces, better positioned to respond swiftly to threats and adapt to the dynamic security environment,” he said.
He added that sports play a vital role in instilling discipline, teamwork, endurance and leadership, qualities that are indispensable in modern military operations.
Highlighting the Armed Forces’ commitment to building a professional and resilient force, Musa described the CISM motto, “Friendship through Sports,” as timely and relevant.
He noted that relationships forged on the sporting field often translate into trust and cooperation during multinational operations and peace support missions.
“The CISM Day Run demonstrates the Armed Forces’ commitment to promoting unity, friendship and peace through sports,” he said, adding that such initiatives reinforce public confidence in the military as a professional institution dedicated to national defence and positive social engagement.
He urged participants to strengthen bonds within their respective services, across security institutions and with international partners, while commending the Armed Forces for sustaining the global tradition of CISM Day.
The event, a five-kilometre walk and jog organised by the Defence Headquarters in collaboration with the International Military Sports Council (CISM), brought together personnel from the Armed Forces and other security agencies, promoting inter-agency cooperation and unity.
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the Nigerian Armed Forces were leveraging sports as a strategic tool to enhance physical fitness, combat readiness, discipline and international military cooperation. He was represented by Rear Admiral Gideon Kachim.
Oluyede explained that CISM, established to foster friendship and solidarity among armed forces worldwide, has continued to serve as a platform for promoting unity and cooperation among member states.
“In a world confronted by multifaceted security challenges, cooperation, trust and solidarity are crucial. Sports offer a universal language for building bridges,” he said.
He stressed that physical fitness is foundational to operational readiness, noting that sporting activities enhance endurance, focus and team spirit — attributes essential for mission success.
“The nature of contemporary warfare and security operations demands personnel who are physically resilient, mentally alert and emotionally balanced.
A force that trains together, runs together and competes together builds the cohesion necessary to fight and win together,” he added.
Also speaking, Maj.-Gen. Abdulahi Maikano, Vice President of CISM and President of its African chapter, underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among armed forces globally.
He said the 2026 CISM International Day of Military Sports was designed to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie and cooperation among military personnel worldwide.
Maikano highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding role in the organisation, noting that the country joined CISM in 1977 and has since played an active part in advancing friendship and sportsmanship within the military community.
The CISM vice president expressed pride in Nigeria’s current leadership position within the body, stating, “I’m the Vice President of the world and the African President.”
Founded in 1947 by five countries, CISM now has 187 member states, with Nigeria counted among its active participants.
Its motto, “Friendship through Sports,” reflects its commitment to promoting peace and unity among nations.
Maikano commended Nigeria’s Chief Delegate, Air Vice Marshal Patrick Philips, for his role in organising the event, and noted that Nigeria has produced notable figures within CISM, including former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, who previously served as a Chief Delegate.
He also invited Nigerian military athletes to participate in upcoming international competitions, including the World Military Games scheduled to hold in Colorado, United States.
The celebration concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to heads of the Armed Forces and other paramilitary agencies that participated in the annual event, observed every February.
