The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting civil authorities and relevant government agencies in addressing the challenges faced by refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the assurance on Thursday, 22 January 2026, while receiving the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Honourable Dr Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS emphasised the strong link between security and displacement, noting that sustainable solutions to refugee and IDP challenges are closely tied to improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation.
He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains fully aligned with national efforts aimed at restoring peace and creating an enabling environment necessary for humanitarian and development interventions to thrive.
According to him, through its ongoing operations nationwide, the Nigerian Army continues to prioritise the protection of civilians and the provision of a secure environment that enables the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of displaced persons. He further assured the Commission of the Army’s readiness to sustain support for humanitarian initiatives focused on restoring dignity, improving livelihoods and enhancing the overall wellbeing of affected populations.
In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner, Honourable Dr Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the COAS for the Nigerian Army’s longstanding support to the Commission. He recalled the critical role played by the Army during previous evacuation and repatriation exercises of Nigerians from Cameroon, noting that the military’s involvement contributed significantly to the success of the operations.
Dr Ahmed also requested sustained collaboration and support from the Nigerian Army as the Commission prepares to undertake another similar mission. He emphasised that effective partnership with the military remains essential, not only for operational success, but also for ensuring that humanitarian interventions translate into improved livelihoods, dignity and overall wellbeing of displaced persons.
