Remain Proactive In Addressing Moral and Spiritual Challenges Of The Nigeria Army – COAS Charges Nigerian Army Imams
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has charged Nigerian Army Imams to remain proactive in developing measures in addressing moral and spiritual challenges affecting the Nigerian Army (NA) in the face of the ongoing counter insurgency operations across the nation.
The COAS gave the charge on Monday, 20 October, 2025 in Damaturu while declaring the Directorate of Islamic Affairs (DOIA) Training Week 2025 and Annual Conference open.
The COAS who was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Staff Sector 2 Joint Task Force North East (NE) Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, described the Training Week as a deliberate and strategic investment in the future of the Directorate, as it highlights the NA’s efforts to build capacity in its spiritual leaders, while equipping them to provide the requisite moral and spiritual support across all theatres of operations.
The Training Week with the theme *”Soldiers’ First Concept: The Role of Nigerian Army Imams in Inculcating Discipline, Courage and Producing Soldiers Free from Drugs and Substance Abuse for Combat-Ready Force”,* was apt at a time the NA is confronted with series of operational exigencies leading to traumatic situation due to long exposure in the battle field.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency, Honorable Dr Mai Mala Buni represented by the Deputy Governor Honourable Idi Gubana commended the DOIA for the spiritual role and guidance in the fight against insurgency.
“The timely and constant spiritual intervention of the NA Imams towards the growth and development of troops at the frontlines was glaring as cases of drugs, substances abuse and human rights violations has drastically been curtailed. We are therefore glad to host this important occasion and wish you a happy and successful deliberations”. He asserted.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Director DOIA, Brigadier General Usman Musa said that the 2025 DOIA Training Week and Annual Conference serves as a catalyst for the realistic effort of the Directorate in playing its spiritual leadership, and admonishes in imparting authentic Islamic teachings in the spiritual dimensions of being a soldier and the need to defend his nation, people, property and dignity.
He reiterated that the theme and topics for this year’s Training Week were carefully selected to fit into the COAS command Philosophy reiterating that DOIA is positioned to discharge its duties to the NA in line with the world best practices of having well-informed, highly intellectual and decent Imams.
Brig Gen Musa emphasized on the COAS Soldiers’ first concept which recognizes the pivotal roles of soldiers as the bases of NA strength, Effectiveness and mission success.
In his words,”As we settle down to deliberate, let me first acknowledge and appreciate the COAS for his support and leadership guidance to the Directorate especially for the approval to relocate the Headquarters and school of DOIA to Muhammad Buhari Cantonment in Abuja. We pray for God’s continuous protection, guidance and unparalleled success in all NA’s operational activities across all theatres of Operations he added.
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