Army: We operate multiple religious training institutions, not only Islam

The Nigerian Army has debunked a viral report claiming that it only runs a School of Islamic Affairs, ignoring other religions.

The Nigerian Army made this known via a statement issued by its spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Monday, July 8, 2024.

Nwachukwu said the report also made a futile effort to portray the army as exclusively encouraging religious bigotry among its personnel.

He stressed that the Nigerian Army operates many religious training institutions, adding that personnel are free to practice their religions.

The army spokesman stated: “Considering the gravity of this falsehood, the Nigerian Army wishes to categorically state that this propaganda in its entirety is dead on arrival as it clearly does not reflect the values of our esteemed institution.

“The NA is a secular organisation that upholds the principle of religious freedom for all its personnel and ensures that personnel irrespective of ranks are free to practice their religions without any form of bias or endorsement of a specific religion.

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“Our unwavering commitment to secularism guarantees that religious diversity is respected and accommodated, allowing soldiers to observe their faith without hindrance to their duties.

“For clarity, the NA operates multiple religious training institutions to cater to the diverse faiths of our personnel.

“In addition to the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs located in Nigerian Army Cantonment Ikeja, Lagos, we also have 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 our diverse members.”

Nwachukwu said the army’s dedication to secularism was aimed at fostering a professional and inclusive environment, where individuals can serve their country without fear of religious discrimination or bias.

He added: “This approach ensures that all officers and soldiers can practice their beliefs in a supportive and respectful setting.”

“We remain 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.”

The Star