The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, strengthening civil-military relations and ensuring strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as key pillars for enhancing national security and operational effectiveness.
According to an official signed statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the commitment on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, while receiving the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, Miss Doris El Doueihy, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS described the ICRC as a trusted strategic partner whose longstanding collaboration with the Nigerian Army has continued to strengthen humanitarian action, operational professionalism and stability in conflict-affected areas across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu stated that the Nigerian Army has fully integrated International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and standard rules of engagement into its training curriculum at all levels. He added that the Army remains committed to implementing the Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, improving detention management, facilitating humanitarian access and adopting global best practices that support mission success while safeguarding civilian lives.
He stressed that protecting civilians and respecting humanitarian principles not only enhance operational effectiveness but also reinforce public confidence in the Armed Forces.
In her remarks, the Head of Delegation of the ICRC in Nigeria, Miss Doris El Doueihy, commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, transparency and sustained cooperation, noting that the partnership has significantly improved the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of vulnerable communities.
She also acknowledged the Army’s progress in detention management and its commitment to upholding internationally accepted humanitarian standards, expressing the ICRC’s readiness to sustain collaboration with the Nigerian Army in advancing humanitarian protection and support for conflict-affected populations.
