In the wake up threats by United States (US) President Donald Trump to invade Nigeria and attack terrorists over alleged persecution of Christians in the country, some sections of social media have focused on pushing unsubstantiated claims about government institutions being anti-Christian.
One of those emerged on Thursday as X user Salako, in a viral post, suggested that the Nigerian Army was being used to promote an Islamic agenda, attaching a photo showing the Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs in Ikeja, Lagos.
EDITOR’S PICKS
As of the time of publishing, the post had garnered nearly one million views with over 13,700 likes, indicating its wide reach.
In the post, Salako questioned why the Army would have “a school of Islamic Affairs” without a Christian or traditional equivalent, insinuating religious bias amid renewed online discussions about Trump’s threat. He asked: “Is there a school of Christian affairs? Or a school of traditionalist affairs?”
Thank you for yesterday's insults.
I have another question:
Why does the @HQNigerianArmy have a school of Islamic Affairs?
Is there a school of Christian affairs? Or a school of traditionalist affairs?
Is Nigeria actually a secular state? https://t.co/4X7J2ls1zk pic.twitter.com/NqkUfyWPEJ
— 👑S.A.L.A.K.O🕊 (@UnkleAyo) November 6, 2025
The Facts
The Nigerian Army School of Islamic Affairs, located in Ikeja, is a legitimate religious training facility that provides clerical and chaplaincy education for Imams serving in the Army’s Islamic branch. However, the school is not the only religious institution operated by the Nigerian Army.
Findings by EKO HOT BLOG show that the Army also runs two other religious training institutions:
- Nigerian Army Chaplaincy (Protestant) Training School, Yaba, Lagos
- Nigerian Army Chaplaincy (Catholic) Training School, Ojo Cantonment, Lagos
Together with the Islamic Affairs school, these institutions serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of soldiers across Nigeria’s major religions. They fall under the Army’s Directorate of Chaplain Services, which coordinates religious support within the force.
Army’s Response
When the misleading agenda of the Islamic Affairs school first circulated in July 2024, the Nigerian Army dismissed the insinuations as propaganda.
“Considering the gravity of this falsehood, the NA 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 Army said.
It further emphasized that the Nigerian Army is a secular organization that upholds religious freedom for all personnel.
“Our unwavering commitment to secularism guarantees that religious diversity is respected and accommodated, allowing soldiers to observe their faith without hindrance to their duties,” the statement added.
Verdict
The claim that the Nigerian Army has only an Islamic school is FALSE. The Army operates three religious training institutions representing Islam, Catholicism, and Protestantism. While the School of Islamic Affairs is real, presenting it as evidence of bias or an Islamic agenda omits critical facts.
FURTHER READING
The Nigerian Army’s structure and official policy support religious diversity, not dominance of any faith.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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