By Nkechi Eze
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) have intensified collaboration on civilian protection and the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance across the North-East.
The Theatre Commander, OPHK, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, reaffirmed the commitment of the military to strengthening cooperation with the humanitarian community when he received the Deputy Head of Office, UN OCHA, Mrs Patricia Mucheche, and her delegation at the Theatre Headquarters, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Thursday.
According to an official statement signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, the engagement focused on improving coordination, information sharing and security support for humanitarian activities in the region.
Mucheche congratulated Ajose on his assumption of office as the 16th Theatre Commander and commended OPHK for its sustained cooperation with humanitarian organisations, particularly in facilitating access and the safe and timely delivery of assistance to vulnerable populations.
She, however, identified threats from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), security concerns along Main Supply Routes (MSRs) and declining donor funding as challenges affecting humanitarian operations.
She called for sustained security measures along critical routes and farming areas, as well as improved coordination and timely information sharing to enhance the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and essential supplies.
Responding, Ajose assured the delegation that OPHK would continue to take appropriate measures within its mandate to safeguard communities and support legitimate humanitarian activities.
The Theatre Commander stressed that civilian protection remained central to ongoing military operations, while reaffirming the Theatre Command’s commitment to regular engagement and information sharing with UN OCHA.
He also said the UN OCHA Desk Office at the Theatre Headquarters would be effectively utilised to facilitate timely communication and address emerging humanitarian concerns.
Ajose further disclosed that OPHK would sustain efforts to enable affected communities to safely access their farmlands, rebuild livelihoods and gradually return to normal life.
He reiterated the Theatre Command’s determination to consolidate operational gains, deny terrorists freedom of action and maintain a secure environment conducive to humanitarian assistance and socio-economic activities across the North-East.
