Army Chaplain Urges Troops to Draw Strength from Faith in Counter-Insurgency Operations
The Acting Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Nigerian Army, Colonel (Reverend) Bitrus Nyam, has urged troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to remain spiritually grounded and strengthen their faith as they sustain ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
Colonel Nyam made the call on Monday during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, ahead of the Easter celebrations.
He explained that the visit was aimed at reinforcing the role of Chaplain Services in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of troops, particularly those deployed on the front lines. He added that the outreach would provide opportunities to interact with personnel, offer counselling and encouragement, and receive feedback on their spiritual well-being.
According to him, the sensitisation programme—coinciding with the Holy Week leading to Easter—will extend to frontline locations, where troops will participate in fellowship, prayers, and Holy Communion.
He emphasised that strong faith in God remains a vital source of courage, resilience, and success in military operations.
The Acting Director assured troops of continued prayers and support from the Protestant community and prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for commanders at all levels.
Colonel Nyam also stressed the need for chaplains to go beyond conventional places of worship and actively engage personnel in operational areas, noting that spiritual support is critical to sustaining morale and discipline in both peace and wartime.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the visit as timely and significant.
He noted that spiritual guidance and mentorship play a crucial role in addressing behavioural challenges such as indiscipline, drug abuse, and other social vices that could undermine operational effectiveness.
The Theatre Commander commended the initiative, particularly as it coincides with the Easter period, describing it as a reflection of the Nigerian Army’s core value that “Victory is from God Alone.”
He added that the visit highlights the importance of Chaplain Services—comprising Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Islamic Affairs—in catering to the spiritual and emotional needs of personnel.
He expressed confidence that sustained engagement by Chaplain Services would further enhance troop morale, discipline, and overall effectiveness in ongoing operations.
The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holistic troop welfare, combining both spiritual and operational support in the fight against insurgency.
