SOLDIERS’ SPIRITUAL CONFERENCE OPENS IN YOBE
By Ahmed Abba
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting discipline, moral uprightness, and drug-free conduct among its personnel, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy of transforming the force into a professional and motivated institution.
Brig.-Gen. Usman Musa, Director of Islamic Affairs, Nigerian Army, stated this in Damaturu at the opening of a two-day conference for Army Imams and Islamic Affairs Officers.
Musa said the conference, themed “The Role of the Nigerian Army Imams in Producing Soldiers Free from Drug and Substance Abuse,” was part of efforts to enhance spiritual and moral guidance within the military.
He noted that the Army was working to build a force anchored on discipline, moral soundness, and respect for the dignity and honour of every soldier, both on and off the battlefield.
“The Directorate has been working in line with best practices to ensure that the Nigerian Army produces intellectually sound and morally upright Imams who can guide personnel spiritually and psychologically,” he said.
Musa added that deliberations during the conference would contribute to the continuous transformation agenda of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, aimed at building a well-trained, motivated, and combat-ready force.
He commended the Yobe Government and the Commander of 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, for their support toward maintaining peace and stability in the state and the Northeast in general.
In a goodwill message, Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, praised the Army for organising the conference, describing it as timely and essential in addressing the moral and psychological well-being of troops.
Buni said that prolonged deployments and exposure to conflict could lead some soldiers to resort to drugs and substance abuse, hence the need for spiritual counselling and mental health management programmes within the military.
“The introduction of the Post-Stress Traumatic Disorder Management (PSTDM) programme by the Army High Command is commendable. It provides avenues for healing, counselling, and moral rehabilitation of personnel,” he said.
He urged Army Imams to constantly remind officers and men of their obligations to God, discipline, and national service, adding that their moral influence could strengthen the values of courage, integrity, and patriotism among troops.
Buni further called for stronger collaboration between the Nigerian Army and relevant government agencies to sustain campaigns against drug abuse and to uphold moral reawakening across the armed forces.
The governor commended the Army for its sacrifices in restoring peace and security across the Northeast and assured continued support from the Yobe Government.
The conference, holding in Damaturu, attracted senior military officers, Islamic scholars, and religious leaders from various formations of the Nigerian Army.
