OPHK, UN OCHA Move to Improve Humanitarian Access, Civilian Protection
The Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) have pledged to strengthen cooperation to improve humanitarian access and protect civilians in the North-East.
The commitment followed a meeting between the Theatre Commander, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and a UN OCHA delegation led by its Deputy Head of Office, Mrs Patricia Mucheche, at the Theatre Headquarters, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Thursday.
A statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North-East), Operation HADIN KAI, on Thursday.
Ajose reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to creating a secure environment for humanitarian operations, civilian protection and the restoration of livelihoods across the region.
Earlier, Mucheche congratulated the Theatre Commander on his assumption of office and commended OPHK for its cooperation with humanitarian organisations, particularly in facilitating access and the safe, timely delivery of assistance to vulnerable communities.
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She, however, highlighted security challenges affecting aid operations, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), threats along main supply routes and declining donor funding.
Mucheche called for sustained security measures along critical routes and farming areas, as well as improved coordination and timely information sharing to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and essential supplies.
Responding, Ajose assured the delegation that OPHK would continue to take measures within its mandate to safeguard communities and support legitimate humanitarian activities, stressing that civilian protection remained central to its operations.
He also pledged to strengthen coordination with UN OCHA through regular engagements, information sharing and effective use of the organisation’s desk office at the Theatre Headquarters to improve communication and address emerging humanitarian concerns.
The Theatre Commander said OPHK would sustain efforts to enable affected communities to return safely to their farmlands, rebuild their livelihoods and gradually resume normal activities.
He reiterated the Theatre Command’s determination to consolidate operational gains, restrict terrorists’ freedom of action and maintain a secure environment for humanitarian assistance and socio-economic activities across the North-East.
The engagement underscored the importance of sustained cooperation between the military and humanitarian partners in addressing the region’s challenges and protecting vulnerable populations.
