The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has called for a spiritual dimension to complement Nigeria’s military strategies in addressing the country’s growing insecurity.
Speaking during the commissioning of three new worship centres at Navy Town, Asokoro, Abuja, Vice Admiral Ogalla emphasized that the nation’s ongoing battle against insurgency, terrorism, and other security threats requires not just tactical and operational responses, but also moral and spiritual intervention.
“We recognize that the challenges of insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of irregular threats facing us today require a whole-of-society approach. While we pursue military solutions, we equally believe that spiritual solutions are essential in surmounting these threats,” the Naval Chief said.
The newly commissioned religious facilities include a Catholic Church, a Protestant Church—known as the Church of Redemption, and a Central Mosque. The worship centres are built to serve naval personnel, their families, and residents of the broader Navy Town community.
The initiative, which began in June 2019 and was completed in April 2025, marks a significant investment in the spiritual welfare of Nigerian Navy officers and men. The churches each have a capacity for over 1,000 worshippers, while the mosque accommodates up to 1,200 worshippers with dedicated sections for male and female attendees.
Commodore Oluseyi Oladipo, the Commander in charge of the Naval Unit in Abuja, described the project as a reflection of the Navy’s commitment to fostering peace, discipline, and moral responsibility within its ranks and among the civilian populace living within Navy-controlled territories.
The commissioning coincides with activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary and underscores a broader strategy to promote unity, spiritual growth, and national healing at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with complex internal security issues.
Vice Admiral Ogalla’s comments align with a growing sentiment among leaders that spiritual and community-based support systems can enhance the nation’s resilience and collective resolve to defeat violence and criminality.
The Nigerian Navy has continued to play a crucial role in maritime security, counter-insurgency, and internal peacekeeping efforts, but the CNS’s remarks suggest that beyond weaponry and tactics, values, prayers, and faith remain critical elements in building lasting peace.
