Nigerian Military, IOM to Enhance Support for Displaced Persons
The Nigerian Armed Forces and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have pledged to strengthen collaboration in addressing displacement, reintegration, and migration management challenges across the country.
This commitment was renewed during a courtesy visit by IOM’s Deputy Director General for Operations, Mrs. Ogechi Daniels, to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday.
A statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, on yesterday in Abuja.
In her remarks, Mrs. Daniels commended the Nigerian Government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, describing the initiative as a model for rehabilitation and reintegration that has expanded beyond the North East to the North West and North Central regions.
She disclosed that IOM is ready to deploy experts in Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) to new areas, including Zamfara State.
The IOM Deputy DG also stressed the importance of improving data for disaster risk reduction and enhancing coordination with national stakeholders.
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According to her, IOM provides technical support in border management, early warning systems, and maintains a presence across all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
She further revealed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence Phase 4 of community-based reintegration programmes.
Mrs. Daniels reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting safe returns and the local integration of internally displaced persons, with a focus on development-oriented approaches.
She added that research collaborations with national partners would be vital in ensuring sustainable peace and reintegration efforts across Nigeria.
In his response, General Musa welcomed the IOM delegation and acknowledged the organisation’s long-standing partnership with the Nigerian military, particularly in the North East.
He assured that the Armed Forces remain committed to deepening collaboration with IOM and other stakeholders despite financial constraints.
“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” the CDS stated, while emphasising the importance of international partnerships in achieving peace and stability.
The visit underscored the shared resolve of the Nigerian Armed Forces and IOM to expand cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and humanitarian assistance, with the ultimate goal of ensuring sustainable solutions for displaced populations in Nigeria.
By PRNigeria
