Nigerian Army Chaplain Urges Troops Of OPHK To Strengthen Faith In The Discharge Of Their Operational Engagements

The Acting Director, Chaplain Services (Protestant), Nigerian Army, Colonel (Reverend) Bitrus Nyam, has urged troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) to strengthen their faith and remain spiritually grounded as they sustain ongoing operations against insurgents in the North East region.

Colonel Nyam made the call on Monday, 23 March 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), at Maimalari Military Cantonment, Maiduguri, ahead of the Easter celebrations.

He stated that the visit was aimed at deepening the role of Chaplain Services in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of troops, particularly those deployed on the front lines. He noted that the outreach would also provide an opportunity to interact with soldiers, offer counselling, encouragement, and obtain feedback on their spiritual well-being.

According to him, the sensitisation, which coincides with the Holy Week leading to Easter, will extend to frontline locations where troops will be engaged in fellowship, prayers, and Holy Communion. He emphasised that strong faith in God remains a vital source of courage, resilience, and victory in military operations.

The Acting Director assured troops of continued prayers and support from the Protestant community, while also praying for divine wisdom and guidance for commanders at all levels.

Colonel Nyam further stressed the need for Chaplains to go beyond conventional worship centres and actively engage troops in operational areas, noting that spiritual support is critical in sustaining morale and discipline in both peace and wartime.

In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the Acting Director and 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 negatively impact operational effectiveness.

The Theatre Commander commended the initiative, especially 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 underscores the importance of the 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 troops morale, discipline, and overall effectiveness in ongoing operations.

The visit highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holistic troops welfare, combining both spiritual and operational support in the fight against insurgency.

SANI UBA
Lieutenant Colonel
Media Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI
23 March, 2026