By Nkechi Eze
The Chief Security Adviser for the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Nigeria, Mr. Senyo Kufe, has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for their professionalism, resilience, and sustained support to UN security and humanitarian operations in the North East, describing the region as the “engine room” of Nigeria’s overall security efforts.
Mr. Kufe made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), in Maiduguri, as part of his ongoing nationwide familiarization and operational assessment tour. The visit, according to a statement by the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the United Nations and the Nigerian military in the management of security operations and humanitarian missions.
Speaking during the visit, the Chief Security Adviser, who assumed office in August 2025, lauded the Nigerian military for its pivotal role in stabilizing the region and creating an enabling environment for humanitarian interventions. He noted that the North East remains critical to both national and international peacebuilding efforts. “The North East is the engine room of Nigeria’s security operations. Without the military, UN staff cannot stand on their own in this region,” Kufe stated, acknowledging the invaluable guidance and protection provided by the Theatre Command.
He emphasized that his visit was to deepen collaboration, gain firsthand information on field realities, and explore new strategies for improving joint security management. “This visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen our partnership, build mutual confidence, and enhance coordination between the UN and the military for the safety of humanitarian personnel,” he added.
Also speaking, the UNDSS Area Security Adviser and Field Coordination Officer for the North East, Mr. Udit Mehta, expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, for his visionary leadership and consistent cooperation with UN agencies. He highlighted that the UNDSS places high value on its partnership with the Nigerian military, which has remained instrumental in ensuring the safety of aid workers and the success of humanitarian programmes in the region.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s unwavering commitment to supporting the UNDSS in achieving its mission of safeguarding UN personnel and facilities. He reiterated that the military remains steadfast in its operations aimed at restoring normalcy, rescuing abducted victims, and neutralizing remnants of terrorist elements across the North East. “The Nigerian Armed Forces recognize the crucial role of the United Nations and its partners in post-conflict recovery and humanitarian assistance. We will continue to work together to ensure a safe and secure environment for all,” General Abubakar assured.
The meeting also featured discussions on strengthening cooperation in critical areas such as emergency preparedness, disaster response, information sharing, and security risk management. Both parties agreed to deepen joint training initiatives and enhance coordination frameworks to improve operational safety and efficiency in the region.
The visit concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to Mr. Kufe by the Theatre Commander, the signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph to commemorate the event.
Mr. Kufe was accompanied by other UNDSS officials, including Security Analyst Mr. Christian Munteanu and Field Security Associate Major Nuhu Mantana (Retired). Senior officers of OPHK, among them the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, Component Commanders, and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command, were also in attendance.
