Nigerian Chief of Naval Staff: Spiritual Approach Key to Tackling Nation’s Security Woes

 

Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for deeper spiritual engagement as part of efforts to confront the country’s persistent security challenges, asserting that military might alone is insufficient in addressing the complex threats confronting the nation.

Speaking at the commissioning of newly constructed worship centres located at Admiralty Estate in Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja, Ogalla highlighted the increasing need for a holistic response to issues like terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. The event, held as part of the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary celebrations, marked a significant step in the military’s commitment to nurturing both the physical and spiritual wellbeing of its personnel.

Security issues facing the country, Ogalla warned, have grown more multifaceted and cannot be effectively countered with firepower alone. He argued that addressing these threats demands not only strategic and tactical responses but also spiritual intervention. “We recognise the challenges that we are facing these days… These are challenges that require a whole-of-society approach,” he stated.

He further explained that places of worship hold immense value in moulding character and instilling moral discipline, not just among naval personnel but within the broader Nigerian society. “While we look for military solutions, we also believe that spiritual solutions are part of what we need to surmount the challenges,” Ogalla added, urging chaplains and imams to make full use of the newly unveiled facilities.

Religious leaders, according to Ogalla, play an instrumental role in guiding the moral compass of service members, shaping their outlook and reinforcing resilience in the face of daily operational pressures. The Navy, he said, has made it a priority to equip its chaplaincy units with the tools and infrastructure necessary to fulfil this vital duty.

Previously, naval personnel stationed in Abuja had to resort to makeshift spaces like Mogadishu Cantonment for religious observances. With the launch of these new, purpose-built worship centres, officers and ratings now have a dedicated space to nurture their spiritual lives—a move that is expected to significantly boost morale and provide a much-needed psychological anchor for those in uniform.

Commander of the Naval Unit in Abuja, Oluseyi Oladipo, reflected on the significance of the occasion, stating that the new worship spaces would greatly enhance the conduct of religious activities and foster a stronger sense of community within the barracks.

Also present at the ceremony was Richmond Diala, Director of Chaplaincy for the Roman Catholic Church, who expressed deep appreciation to the Naval Chief for his dedication to completing the project. Diala described the initiative as a powerful testament to the leadership’s awareness of the role faith plays in national stability and personal discipline.

As Nigeria continues to grapple with security issues that test the limits of conventional warfare, Ogalla’s remarks offer a reminder that solutions may lie not only in the armoury, but also in the pulpit.