The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged Nigerian Army Imams to remain proactive in addressing moral and spiritual challenges affecting personnel, especially amid ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country.
He gave the charge on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Damaturu, while declaring open the Directorate of Islamic Affairs (DOIA) Training Week 2025 and Annual Conference.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (JTF) North East Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Ahmed Getso, the COAS described the Training Week as a strategic investment in the future of the Directorate, aimed at equipping spiritual leaders to offer moral and spiritual support across all theatres of operation.
The event, themed “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,” comes at a critical time when troops face multiple operational and psychological challenges due to prolonged exposure to combat.
In his goodwill message, Yobe State Governor, Dr Mai Mala Buni, represented by Deputy Governor Idi Gubana, commended the DOIA for its consistent spiritual guidance, noting that its interventions have helped reduce cases of drug abuse and human rights violations among troops.
Earlier, the Director of DOIA, Brigadier General Usman Musa, said the 2025 Training Week was designed to strengthen the Directorate’s capacity to impart authentic Islamic teachings that promote discipline, patriotism, and resilience among soldiers.
He reaffirmed the Directorate’s alignment with the COAS’ “Soldiers’ First” command philosophy, emphasizing that the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness depends on well-informed, intellectually sound, and morally upright Imams.
Brigadier General Musa also appreciated the COAS for his continued support, especially for approving the relocation of the DOIA Headquarters and School to Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Abuja, praying for divine protection and success in all Nigerian Army operations.
