‘Spiritual Solution’ is Needed to Surmount Insecurity in Nigeria – Chief of Naval Staff

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has said that a “spiritual solution” is part of what Nigeria needs to overcome the growing wave of insecurity across the country.

Ogalla made the remark on Thursday at Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja, while commissioning three newly completed places of worship as part of activities marking the 69th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy.

Addressing officers, personnel, and guests, the Naval Chief emphasised the role of spiritual fortitude in combating national threats such as insurgency and terrorism.

“We recognise that the challenges of insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of irregular threats that are facing us today are challenges that require a whole of society approach,” he said.

“So, while we look for the military solutions, we also believe that the spiritual solution is part of what we need to be able to surmount them,” he added.

He further noted that the new religious centres, designed to serve both Christian and Muslim personnel, are essential for building moral strength and national unity.

“And these places of worship are key to shaping the minds and shaping the characters of not only our personnel but other Nigerians who use it,” Ogalla said.

On his part, Commander, Naval Unit Abuja, Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo disclosed that the new facilities—the Catholic Church, the Church of Redemption, and the Central Mosque—would serve residents of Navy Town, Admiralty and Lakeview Estates, and function as the hub for the Directorate of Naval Chaplain Services and the Directorate of Islamic Affairs.

The Naval Chief’s comments come as the country continues to grapple with rising insecurity. Recently, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum raised the alarm over fresh insurgent activity and the capture of some communities in the northeast state.