Easter: Army Chaplain Urges Troops to Deepen Faith Amid Intensified Anti-Insurgency Operations
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have been urged to remain spiritually grounded and strengthen their faith as they continue frontline operations in the North-East, with the Nigerian Army emphasizing the critical role of spiritual support in boosting morale and operational effectiveness.
The Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Protestant), NigerianNavyNigerian Army, Bitrus Nyam according to a press release e-signed by the Media Information Officer Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Sani Uba Lieutenant Colonel gave the charge during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK at the Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri on March 23, 2026, ahead of the Easter celebrations.
Nyam said the visit was aimed at strengthening the spiritual and emotional well-being of troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations, noting that faith remains a key pillar in sustaining resilience on the battlefield.
He urged troops “to strengthen their faith and remain spiritually grounded as they sustain ongoing operations against insurgents in the North East region.”
According to him, the outreach would provide an avenue to interact with soldiers, offer counselling, encouragement, and assess their spiritual needs. He added that the sensitisation programme, which coincides with the Holy Week, would extend to frontline locations.
“The sensitisation… will extend to frontline locations where troops will be engaged in fellowship, prayers, and Holy Communion,” he said, stressing that “strong faith in God remains a vital source of courage, resilience, and victory in military operations.”
The Acting Director also assured troops of continued prayers and support from the Protestant community, while offering prayers for divine wisdom and guidance for military commanders.
He further emphasized the need for chaplains to go beyond traditional worship settings to reach troops in operational areas.
“Spiritual support is critical in sustaining morale and discipline in both peace and wartime,” Nyam stated.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East OPHK, Abdulsalam Abubakar described the visit as timely and impactful, particularly as troops intensify operations.
He highlighted the importance of spiritual mentorship in addressing challenges within the ranks, noting that it plays a role in curbing “indiscipline, drug abuse, and other social vices that could negatively impact operational effectiveness.”
Abubakar commended the initiative, especially during the Easter period, describing it as a reflection of the Army’s core belief that “Victory is from God Alone.”
He added that the engagement underscores the relevance of Chaplain Services—including Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Islamic Affairs—in catering to the holistic needs of personnel.
The Theatre Commander expressed confidence that sustained spiritual engagement would further enhance troop morale, discipline, and overall effectiveness in ongoing operations.
