Humanitarian organisations operating in Nigeria’s North-East have commended the ongoing security efforts of Operation Hadin Kai, saying recent military gains have improved access to vulnerable communities and enhanced civilian protection in insurgency-affected areas.
The commendation came during separate courtesy visits by delegations from the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to the Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, in Maiduguri on June 11.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Media Information Officer of Headquarters Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, Lt. Col. Haruna M. Sani, the humanitarian agencies acknowledged the positive impact of improved security on their operations across the region.
The WFP delegation, led by the Head of the WFP Area Office, Mr. Emmanuel Bigenimana, noted that enhanced security conditions had enabled safer and more effective delivery of food assistance and other humanitarian interventions to conflict-affected communities.
“The security gains achieved by the military have significantly enhanced humanitarian access, enabling the safe and timely delivery of food assistance and other life-saving interventions,” Bigenimana said.
Similarly, the UNICEF delegation, led by Ms. Mona Aika of the Child Protection Section, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continued collaboration with the military on child protection initiatives, particularly the protocol guiding the handling of children associated with armed conflict.
Aika described the framework as vital for ensuring the safe handover, rehabilitation and reintegration of children affected by conflict.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, appreciated both organisations for their sustained partnership and described humanitarian actors as critical stakeholders in the non-kinetic aspects of military operations.
He assured the agencies of the military’s continued support, stressing that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to creating a secure environment that facilitates humanitarian access and stabilisation efforts across the North-East.
The Theatre Commander further emphasised that effective coordination between security forces and humanitarian organisations is essential to tackling food insecurity, protecting civilians and supporting long-term recovery in conflict-affected communities.
The visits concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs involving senior military officers, component commanders and principal staff officers at the Theatre Command Headquarters.
