The Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) has seek for more closer collaboration and cooperation with 7 Division Nigerian Army in the Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) for a common level ground to enhance the Humanitarian situation brought upon by the activities of insurgents in the North East.
This appeal was made known by the Head of Civil Military Cooperation (UN-OCHA) Mr Brian Laguardia on Friday, 26 August, 2022 when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, in his office at the Division Headquarters in Maimalari Cantonment.
Mr Brian disclosed that the UN- OCHA has over the years been at the forefront in coordinating the affairs of International and National Non Governmental Organizations humanitarian activities in the North East especially, as it affects the Internally Displaced Persons.
He added that in order for the UN to meet up with the humanitarian crisis in the region, they need to collaborate with the military who can provide that enabling environment and an easy communication mechanism for their activities to thrive.
In his remarks, the GOC welcome the team to his office and stated that the Nigerian Military has continued to ensure they provide the enabling environment for all agencies to operate in the NE.
He added that the protracted crisis and fight against insurgency is taking a new turn especially, as seen in the mass surrendering of BHTs fighters leading to a more raising need for urgent humanitarian intervention in their various holding facility as well as considering the need to empower both victims and the repentant insurgents.
General Shaibu reiterated that as both organisations sustained the existing mutual cooperation, the Nigerian Military will continue to do it's best by providing all the necessary support with emphasis that" As a military, we cannot provide all humanitarian services to the teeming Internally Displaced Persons, that is why we strive to create an enabling environment for all agencies to operate in meeting the needs of the victims of insurgency he added".
The highpoint of the visit were courtesy remarks by both the GOC and the head of the delegation, interactive session, presentation of plaque, signing of visitor's book and group photograph. The visit was graced by the the Chief of Staff Headquarters 7 Division, Brigadier General OM Oyekola, Deputy Chief of Staff Training and Operations, Colonel NG Mohammed, Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, Colonel SO Bello, Deputy Director 7 Division Education, Colonel MS Bappaiya, other Formations and Unit Commanders as well as delegates from UN-OCHA.
- Brigadier General SK Usman (Rtd)