By Esther Onyegbula

The International Christian School of Chaplaincy and Christian Interdenominational Intervention Chaplaincy (INTERCAP/ICSC–CIIC) has inaugurated its Lagos 3 Command, with a call for stronger intelligence gathering and community-based security collaboration to curb crime in Nigeria.

The inauguration, held at the Ecumenical Centre in Satellite Town, Lagos, was described as a strategic expansion of the organisation’s operations in the country, where it has maintained a presence for about seven years.

Speaking at the event, Major General Chaplain Eugene Godman said the Lagos 3 Command represents one of the organisation’s key operational units aimed at deepening its humanitarian and evangelism efforts.

“It’s very important because this command is one of our major commands in INTERCAP and it’s God’s Three Command. We are inaugurating it today for official kick-start,” he said.

Godman explained that INTERCAP, a chaplaincy agency affiliated with the United Nations in Coconut Creek, United States, focuses on humanitarian services and evangelism, particularly among vulnerable populations.

“What we do is humanitarian works, preaching the gospel in uniform. Wherever people are having issues, prison yards, internally displaced persons camps and others, we go there, we preach the gospel and share relief materials. It’s charity combined with spiritual outreach,” he said.

Highlighting one of the organisation’s major interventions, he noted that INTERCAP had carried out several visits to correctional facilities across the country.

“We have visited many prisons in Nigeria, including those in Benin, Ogun and Lagos, where we preach responsible living and provide material support. We also visit universities to engage young people on responsible lifestyles,” he added.

On national security, Godman stressed that intelligence sharing remains the most potent weapon against crime, urging the adoption of an anonymous, encrypted reporting system.

“Security is everybody’s business. The first step is to involve everyone and educate local communities on their roles. The nation needs a platform that is encrypted, where people can report suspicious activities anonymously.

“What cripples crime in any society is information or intelligence gathering. The arsenal of all nations combined cannot stand the power of information. If security agencies have timely intelligence, they can neutralise threats before they materialise,” he said.

He disclosed that INTERCAP has approximately 2,000 members in Nigeria and is already collaborating with government institutions, including the Nigerian Army and Navy chaplaincy units.

“We are already working with the Nigerian government. We have affiliations with the Nigerian Army Chaplaincy Headquarters in Yaba, the 149 Battalion, and the Nigerian Navy chaplaincy,” he said.

Also speaking, the International Vice President and Africa Commander of INTERCAP, Mike Oriyomi, said the inauguration was part of efforts to expand the organisation’s footprint and impact.

“We are here for the commissioning and inauguration of Lagos 3 Command. We expect them to grow, establish divisions and branches, and continue spreading the gospel in uniform,” he said.

Oriyomi added that the organisation’s mission goes beyond evangelism to fostering peace and social harmony.

“INTERCAP is about making peace by showing love, helping people, visiting prisons and bringing harmony within society. We have been supporting government and para-statal organisations both within and outside Nigeria,” he said.

In his remarks, Chaplain Major General Joel Afolabi Babalola underscored the critical role of chaplaincy in both peace and conflict situations, particularly in providing psychological and spiritual support.

“In the military, chaplains play roles in both war and peace. We provide psychological support to wounded soldiers, assist in evacuating the injured, and counsel families of fallen heroes. Our duty is to bring people closer to God and promote peaceful coexistence,” he said.

He added that the interdenominational nature of INTERCAP promotes unity among Christians and encourages outreach beyond church congregations.

“We are not restricted by denomination. Our mission is to unite people, show love, and help the needy. Rehabilitation is part of our duty as we visit correctional centres to help inmates reform and become responsible citizens,” he stated.

Babalola further revealed that Lagos now has three INTERCAP commands, with plans for further expansion.

“We have Lagos 1, Lagos 2, and now Lagos 3. We expect this chapter to grow and even produce new chapters as part of our expansion strategy,” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant of Lagos 3 Command, Chaplain Colonel Ogbodo Christian Chika, described the inauguration as a moment of unity and renewed commitment to service.

“It is both a privilege and a profound honour to welcome everyone as we gather in fellowship and shared purpose. As members of INTERCAP, we represent not just our nations but the collective hope for peace, justice and human dignity,” he said.

Chika noted that the organisation’s mission transcends security to include hope, compassion and the protection of vulnerable groups.

“As chaplains, we are committed to supporting the spiritual, moral and emotional well-being of all, regardless of faith, culture or background. INTERCAP is not only a mission of security; it is also a mission of hope,” he added.

The event drew members of the clergy, security affiliates and stakeholders, marking a new phase in INTERCAP’s humanitarian and chaplaincy operations in Lagos State.