OPHK Commander Salutes UN OCHA Chief, Warns of Aid Gaps, Pledges NYSC Support
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has lauded the outgoing Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Mr. Trond Jensen, for his outstanding commitment, partnership, and support to stabilisation efforts in the North East.
Major General Abubakar gave the commendation on Thursday, December 4, 2025, during Mr. Jensen’s farewell visit to the Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK in Maiduguri. He described the UN official as a dependable partner in the collective mission to restore normalcy and promote socio-economic recovery across the region.
The Theatre Commander, however, expressed concern over the planned drawdown of UN OCHA operations in Nigeria by 2028. He warned that the reduction in activities could create significant humanitarian gaps, particularly in malnutrition interventions, vaccination campaigns, and other lifesaving services. He called for proactive strategies to address the impending challenges and safeguard vulnerable populations.
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Responding, Mr. Jensen confirmed that the transition toward a scaled-down presence is driven by diminishing international funding rather than improved humanitarian conditions. He urged Nigeria to intensify efforts to mobilize domestic resources to cushion the expected shortfall and sustain critical aid programmes.
Major General Abubakar assured that OPHK would continue to provide maximum support to UN OCHA personnel and pledged to extend the same cooperation to Mr. Jensen’s successor.
In a separate engagement the same day, the Theatre Commander reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Borno State. This followed a courtesy visit by the Borno State NYSC Coordinator, Mallam Nasir Bello, to the Theatre Command headquarters.
Mallam Bello commended OPHK for its consistent support, noting that the successful resumption of NYSC orientation camps in Borno underscores the substantial improvement in the state’s security situation. Major General Abubakar emphasized that the safety and welfare of corps members remain a top priority, especially as Borno prepares for upcoming local government elections.
By PRNigeria
