In an effort to track the involvement of non active Civilians and their casaulty in the fight against insurgency in the North East Theatre of Operation, a delegation from the Centre For Civilians in Conflict were at Headquarters 7 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) today, Thursday 21 July, 2022, on a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General Waidi Shaibu.
The delegation led by its Chief Military Adviser Col Chidi Ukoha (rtd) who disclosed that they are on the visit to officially meet with the GOC and his Principal Staff Officers so as to interact in possible ways the two organisations can compliment each others efforts in the fight against insurgency especially as it affects Civilians within the crises ridden areas in the North East.
Col Ukoha (rtd) said the Centre has intensified efforts through their Civilian Casualty Tracking Cell (CCTRACK) to ascertain the rate of Civilian Casualities in the North East.
While responding, the GOC Major General W Shaibu welcome the team to his office and disclosed that the military have over the years been engaging with several Non Governmental and Civil Organisations in the North East in areas of civilian protection and safety.
He also stated that, sometimes casualty suffered are mostly inflicted upon the Civilians by the terrorists who used them to score cheap points in their fruitless struggles because the military always emphasize on civilian protection and adherence to rules of engagement in all it's operations.
General Shaibu further emphasized that the civilians within the region should as a matter of necessity also exercise caution in their daily activities especially in areas outside where their safety is not assured as the military cannot be everywhere.
It was on that note he assured the team that the military will continue to collaborate with the organization to enhance the operations of both organisations in getting facts and figures accurately.
The highpoint of the visit was the courtesy remarks by both the GOC and the team leader, interactive session, signing of visitors' book, presentation of plaque by the GOC and thereafter it was culminated with a group photograph.
The visit which was hitch free was witnessed by the Chief of Staff 7 Division, Brigadier General SY Yakasai, Commander 7 Military Intelligence Brigade, Col AA Ude, Commander 7 Division Provost Group, Lt Col Adebayo, Acting Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics, Major IS Govo amongst others.
