(DDM) – The Nigeria Christian Civil Chaplain Corps (NCCC), a respected faith-based and non-denominational organisation, has declared its full support for the newly appointed Service Chiefs, pledging to back them with fervent prayers and community engagement programmes to strengthen national peace and security.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the Chaplain Corps, led by its Commandant-General, Rev. Dr. John Joseph, made the declaration during a special intercessory service held in Abuja, where hundreds of chaplains and Christian leaders gathered to pray for the Nigerian Armed Forces and their new leadership.
In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Joseph commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as “a well-thought-out and balanced selection” of Service Chiefs, reflecting the President’s desire for competence, discipline, and unity in Nigeria’s security structure.
“The new Service Chiefs represent a blend of experience, courage, and patriotism,” Rev. Joseph said. “We believe they will bring renewed focus, integrity, and innovation to Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insecurity.”
The NCCC said the appointment of the new military leaders marks a turning point for the nation, especially in the face of persistent threats from terrorism, banditry, insurgency, and secessionist violence. The group pledged to support the military not only in prayers but also through community peacebuilding, moral reorientation campaigns, and volunteer partnerships with local security agencies.
DDM reports that the Chaplain Corps, which operates under the Nigeria Christian Association (CAN) umbrella, urged Nigerians to cooperate with the armed forces and report suspicious activities within their communities. The group noted that peace and security are collective responsibilities that require both spiritual and civic participation
“We cannot continue to blame the government alone,” the statement continued. “Every Nigerian has a role to play. The Church must rise beyond the pulpit to engage in patriotic action and moral discipline.”
The NCCC also emphasized the need for the Service Chiefs to prioritize welfare, mental health, and morale of soldiers, pointing out that many personnel face burnout and emotional trauma from years of fighting insurgency.
Rev. Dr. Joseph further appealed to the government to improve the conditions of service for security operatives, particularly those stationed in volatile areas of Borno, Zamfara, Plateau, and Niger States, where attacks remain frequent.
He said the Corps will begin a National Peace and Prayer Tour across the six geopolitical zones, aimed at promoting unity among Nigeria’s diverse faith communities and rebuilding trust between citizens and the security sector.
“We will visit army barracks, police divisions, and correctional centres,” he said. “Our mission is to boost their spiritual and emotional resilience through chaplaincy counselling and community support.”
Security analysts told DDM that partnerships between religious groups and the military could significantly help in rebuilding public confidence, especially as insecurity continues to affect education, agriculture, and commerce across several northern and middle-belt states.
The NCCC concluded its statement with a call for divine intervention, urging Nigerians to remember the Service Chiefs and all security personnel in their daily prayers.
“This is a defining moment for Nigeria,” Rev. Joseph said. “We must not only fight with guns but also with faith, unity, and compassion. We are praying that God will guide our Service Chiefs and give them the wisdom to restore lasting peace to our land.”
The Nigeria Christian Civil Chaplain Corps has been active in community development, humanitarian response, and youth empowerment across Nigeria since its establishment in 2001, and continues to work closely with both state and non-state actors to promote moral leadership and national security consciousness.