In Defence of Naval Chief Ogalla on Spirituality and the War on Terror By Chidi Omeje
In a world increasingly shaped by complex security threats and unconventional warfare, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, has boldly articulated a timeless yet often overlooked truth: the fight against insecurity cannot be won by firepower alone—it requires moral resolve, societal unity, and spiritual fortitude. In a world increasingly shaped by complex security threats and unconventional warfare, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, has boldly articulated a timeless yet often overlooked truth: the fight against insecurity cannot be won by firepower alone—it requires moral resolve, societal unity, and spiritual fortitude.
Speaking at the commissioning of new religious centres at Navy Town, Asokoro, as part of the Nigerian Navy’s 69th anniversary celebration, Admiral Ogalla made a powerful case for integrating spirituality into national security strategy. “We recognize that the challenges of insurgency, terrorism, and other irregular threats demand a whole-of-society approach,” he said. “While we seek military solutions, we also believe that spiritual solutions are necessary to overcome the security challenges confronting the nation.”
The Navy Chief emphasized that houses of worship within military communities are not symbolic structures but vital instruments for shaping the character and conscience of personnel, aligning their sense of duty with a higher purpose.
His remarks, however, were mocked by activist Omoyele Sowore, who posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The moment your Chief of Naval Staff starts to sound like this, just know that your country is finished!”
Sowore’s dismissive reaction misses the mark entirely. Admiral Ogalla’s stance is neither naïve nor misplaced; it is visionary, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of modern conflict. His call for spiritual engagement is not an escape from responsibility—it is an acknowledgment that national security is as much a moral and psychological battle as it is a physical one.
Spirituality as a Strategic Asset
Admiral Ogalla’s emphasis on spiritual resilience aligns with global military traditions. The U.S. military maintains an extensive corps of chaplains. The Israeli Defense Forces incorporate religious guidance into operational planning. These practices are not signs of regression but reflections of an understanding that effective soldiers are not merely instruments of war—they are human beings with emotions, values, and beliefs.
By commissioning three new places of worship—a Catholic Church, a Church of Redemption, and a Central Mosque—the Navy is not just erecting buildings; it is fortifying the moral and spiritual foundations of its personnel. These sanctuaries will provide comfort in hardship, unity in diversity, and moral compass in the fog of war.
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In Nigeria, where religion is deeply interwoven into the fabric of national life, Ogalla’s approach resonates deeply. Spiritual engagement, far from being a distraction, can inspire courage, foster discipline, and build ethical conviction. These are not just virtues—they are force multipliers in the fight against terror and insurgency.
A Whole-of-Society Approach
The idea that defeating terrorism requires more than military might is not new. Experts agree that asymmetric warfare—where adversaries operate within civilian populations, motivated by ideology—cannot be subdued by bullets alone. It demands the winning of hearts and minds. In this broader struggle, religious and spiritual institutions play a critical role.
Faith-based leaders in Nigeria have mediated communal disputes, reduced ethnic tensions, and facilitated reconciliation. These are the same spiritual forces Ogalla seeks to harness, not as substitutes for strategy, but as complementary tools for enduring peace.
By advocating a whole-of-society approach, Ogalla echoes global best practices. Security is no longer the exclusive domain of soldiers; it is a collective responsibility, one that requires synergy between government, civil society, faith institutions, and the citizenry. Ignoring this reality is not only counterproductive—it is dangerous.
The Human Side of Warfare
Modern warfare imposes immense psychological burdens on military personnel. By acknowledging their spiritual needs, Admiral Ogalla affirms their humanity. He reminds us that soldiers are not just trained to fight; they are fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters—individuals with hopes, fears, and a longing for purpose.
Sowore’s ridicule of this spiritual dimension reveals a troubling detachment from the emotional toll of conflict. The Admiral is not substituting prayer for policy; he is advancing a holistic model of warfare—one that recognizes that spiritual strength often underpins physical courage.
Leadership with Moral Vision
In a time when many leaders are wary of invoking faith in public discourse, Admiral Ogalla’s courage stands out. His position is a call to national introspection: What kind of society are we defending? What values do we uphold? What moral compass guides our actions?
His leadership invites us to build a security framework rooted not just in tactics and technology, but also in compassion, unity, and faith. This is not weakness—it is wisdom. And it is what Nigeria needs.
Vice Admiral Ogalla has not undermined the Navy’s mission; he has elevated it. He has added depth to our understanding of security and reaffirmed the humanity of those who bear arms in our defense.
In this decisive moment in Nigeria’s history, his message is clear: the war against insecurity must be fought on every front—physical, psychological, societal, and spiritual. Only then can we truly build a nation that is not only safe but whole.
Chidi Omeje is the Publisher of Security Digest.
