By Chidi Omeje
In a world increasingly defined by complex threats and unconventional warfare, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, has courageously advanced a truth long acknowledged but seldom voiced: that the fight against insecurity requires more than guns and strategy; it demands moral strength, societal unity, and spiritual fortitude.
Speaking during the commissioning of new religious centres at Navy Town, Asokoro, to mark the 69th anniversary of the Nigerian Navy, Ogalla emphasized that military power alone is insufficient to overcome the specter of insurgency, terrorism, and other irregular threats.
Hear him: “We recognize that the challenges that we have seen these days, the challenges of insurgency, the challenges of terrorism, and other forms of irregular threats that are facing us, are challenges that require a whole-of-society approach”.
“While we look for the military solutions, we also believe that the spiritual solution is part of what is needed to be able to surmount security challenges facing the nation,” he said
According to the Navy Chief, these places of worship are key to shaping the minds and characters of personnel towards attaining the constitutional mandates of defending the nation against external and internal aggressions.
His comments have drawn criticism from some quarters, notably from social media activist Omoyele Sowore, who mocked the naval chief’s motive in seeking to integrate spirituality into a national security discourse. In a post on his X (Twitter) account on Saturday, Sowore submitted as follows: “The moment your Chief of Naval Staff starts to sound like this, just know that your country is finished!”
Sowore got it wrong! The Admiral’s position is neither naïve nor misplaced; it doesn’t in any way suggest that the country is finished. It is rather visionary, holistic, and profoundly pragmatic.
Spirituality, as Admiral Ogalla posits, encompasses a sense of purpose and community, which can serve as powerful antidotes to violence and division. For instance, in Nigeria, various religious leaders have successfully mediated conflicts, bringing together communities divided along ethnic and religious lines. By promoting shared values and understanding, these leaders contribute to social harmony, thereby reducing insecurity. This example illustrates how spiritual initiatives can complement military efforts in creating durable peace.
Moreover, the integration of spiritual practices within security strategies can bolster the morale of military personnel. Engaging with spirituality can provide soldiers with a greater sense of purpose and meaning, which is especially important when faced with the moral complexities of modern warfare. Initiatives that foster mental wellness and spiritual resilience among troops have been shown to improve their effectiveness and commitment.
Admiral Ogalla’s emphasis on spirituality encourages a broader dialogue on security that transcends physical power and military might. It invites policymakers and military leaders to consider alternative frameworks for conflict resolution, recognizing that human connection and shared beliefs can play a pivotal role in diminishing hostility.
A Whole-of-Society Approach to Security
Ogalla’s assertion that defeating insurgency “requires a whole of society approach” reflects modern military doctrine worldwide. Security experts agree that asymmetrical threats—where the enemy is embedded in civilian populations, motivated by ideology, and sustained by fear—cannot be quelled by firepower alone. Hearts and minds must be won. Communities must be inspired, not merely subdued. Here, spiritual institutions play a vital role.
By commissioning three new places of worship—a Catholic Church, a Church of Redemption, and a Central Mosque—the Navy under Ogalla’s leadership is building more than just physical infrastructure. It is investing in the moral and spiritual fabric that binds service members together, regardless of creed. These sacred spaces provide solace to those in uniform, foster unity in diversity, and anchor military personnel in values such as integrity, courage, compassion, and self-sacrifice—principles essential for any meaningful engagement against violence and terror.
Morality as a Force Multiplier
The notion that spirituality complements strategy is not new. In fact, throughout history, successful militaries have often leaned on faith to inspire valor, resilience, and ethical conduct. Far from being a distraction, religious belief can serve as a powerful motivator for troops facing the horrors of war. It strengthens resolve in the face of adversity and guides ethical decision-making in complex operational environments.
Ogalla’s perspective is therefore in line with longstanding traditions across global armed forces. The U.S. military, for example, maintains an extensive corps of chaplains to meet the spiritual needs of its soldiers. Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) incorporate religious guidance into their operations. These are not signs of weakness, but recognition that the human dimension of warfare is just as critical as the mechanical.
It is rather unfortunate that critics like Sowore have chosen to deride rather than engage with the Admiral’s nuanced position. Dismissing spiritual resilience as a joke is to ignore the multifaceted reality of Nigeria’s security challenges. The Admiral is not proposing prayer instead of policy; he is calling for a comprehensive strategy—one that addresses both the material and metaphysical dimensions of conflict.
Vice Admiral Ogalla’s leadership reflects a deep understanding of the complex environment Nigeria faces—a nation where faith plays a central role in everyday life. His message resonates with millions who understand that in times of war and peace, divine guidance can coexist with tactical precision.
In a time when leaders often shy away from acknowledging the spiritual needs of their people, Ogalla’s stand is both courageous and necessary. He reminds us that soldiers are not just weapons of war; they are human beings with souls, hopes, fears, and beliefs.
The fight for Nigeria’s security must be waged on every front—physical, psychological, societal, and spiritual. By embracing this truth, Vice Admiral Ogalla has not weakened the Navy’s mission; he has fortified it with the moral clarity and human dignity it requires to truly succeed.
Chidi Omeje is Publisher, Security Digest (www.securitydigestng.com)
