The Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant) of the Nigerian Army, Colonel (Reverend) Bitrus Nyam, has called on troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to fortify their faith and remain spiritually grounded as they continue operations against insurgents in the North East.
This was contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, ahead of the Easter celebrations.
Colonel Nyam explained that the visit was aimed at strengthening the role of Chaplain Services in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of personnel, particularly those deployed on front-line operations. He noted that the outreach, which coincides with the Holy Week, would extend to operational areas where troops are expected to participate in fellowship, prayers, and Holy Communion.
He stressed that strong faith in God remains a vital source of courage, resilience, and success in military operations, while assuring troops of continued prayers and support from the Protestant community.
The Acting Director further emphasized the need for chaplains to move beyond conventional worship centres and actively engage troops in operational environments, adding that spiritual support is essential in sustaining morale and discipline.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the visit as timely and significant, noting that spiritual guidance plays a critical role in addressing behavioural challenges such as indiscipline and drug abuse among personnel.
He commended the initiative, especially as it coincides with the Easter period, describing it as consistent with the Nigerian Army’s belief that “Victory is from God Alone.” He added that chaplaincy services comprised Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Islamic Affairs remain central to the emotional and spiritual welfare of troops.
Major General Abubakar expressed confidence that sustained engagement by chaplains would further enhance morale, discipline, and operational effectiveness in ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
The visit underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to a holistic welfare approach that integrate spiritual support with operational efficiency in the fight against insurgency.
