The Nigerian Army (NA) has refuted a misleading viral report that falsely suggests the institution exclusively operates a School of Islamic Affairs, ignoring other faiths and promoting religious bigotry among its personnel.
In a statement released by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the NA categorically dismissed the propaganda as untrue, emphasizing that it does not reflect the core values of the esteemed institution.
“The Nigerian Army is a secular organization that upholds the principle of religious freedom for all its personnel. We ensure that individuals, regardless of rank, are free to practice their religion without bias or endorsement of any specific faith,” Nwachukwu stated. “Our unwavering commitment to secularism guarantees that religious diversity is respected and accommodated, allowing soldiers to observe their faith without hindrance to their duties.”
To further clarify, the NA operates multiple religious training institutions catering to the diverse faiths of its personnel. In addition to the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs located in Ikeja, Lagos, the Army also runs the Nigerian Army Protestant Training School in Yaba and the Nigerian Army Chaplain Catholic Training School in Ojo Cantonment. These schools frequently engage in interfaith collaborations, promoting unity and cohesion among the diverse members of the Army.
“Our dedication to secularism is aimed at fostering a professional and inclusive environment where individuals can serve their country without fear of religious discrimination or bias. This approach ensures that all officers and soldiers can practice their beliefs in a supportive and respectful setting,” Nwachukwu added.
The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of secularism and religious freedom, ensuring that all personnel can serve with dignity and respect for their individual beliefs.
LV