The Acting Director, 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 Nigeria’s North East.
Nyam made the call on Monday, March 23, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, at Maimalari Military Cantonment in Maiduguri, ahead of the Easter celebrations.
According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, 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.
The Acting Director explained that the outreach would provide an opportunity to directly engage soldiers through counselling, encouragement, and interactive sessions to assess their spiritual well-being. He added that the sensitisation programme, which coincides with the Holy Week leading to Easter, would be extended to frontline locations where troops would participate in fellowship, prayers, and Holy Communion.
Nyam emphasised that strong faith in God remains a critical source of courage, resilience, and victory in military operations, assuring troops of continued prayers and unwavering support from the Protestant community. He also offered prayers for divine wisdom and guidance for commanders at all levels.
He further stressed the need for chaplains to go beyond traditional places of worship and actively engage troops within operational environments, noting that spiritual support plays a vital role in sustaining morale and discipline during both peace and wartime operations.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) OPHK, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described the visit as timely and significant, particularly as it coincides with the Easter season.
He noted that spiritual guidance and mentorship are essential in addressing behavioural challenges such as indiscipline, drug abuse, and other social vices that could undermine operational effectiveness.
“The visit reflects the Nigerian Army’s core value that ‘Victory is from God Alone,’ and underscores the importance of Chaplain Services in catering to the spiritual and emotional needs of personnel,” he said.
Abubakar added that the Chaplain Services, comprising Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Islamic Affairs, remain central to promoting unity, discipline, and resilience among troops.
He expressed confidence that sustained engagement by chaplains would further enhance morale and overall effectiveness in ongoing military operations.
The visit, according to military authorities, highlights the Nigerian Army’s continued commitment to holistic troop welfare by integrating spiritual support with operational duties in the fight against insurgency.
