By Borno State, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army said this morning that the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Tuesday hosted high-level visits by officials of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Borno State, as part of efforts to strengthen civil–military coordination on humanitarian access and security.
According to the Nigerian Army, the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), Mrs. Florence Paussin, led a delegation from New York to OPHK to discuss security arrangements for humanitarian operations across the North East.
The Army said Mrs. Paussin stated that her visit was to gain better understanding of the security situation and to enhance collaboration with OPHK, particularly on the provision of escorts for UN personnel to access vulnerable communities. It added that she reaffirmed UNDSS’ commitment to working with OPHK in fulfilling its mandate.
The Nigerian Army said the Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, received the delegation and briefed them on ongoing military operations in the region. It stated that he informed the team that while security had improved, continuous vigilance remained necessary, and assured UNDSS of continued security support for its operations.
In a separate visit, the Army said the Team Leader and Head of Operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mr. Yanich Buvhili, led another delegation to OPHK in Borno State.
The Army said Mr. Buvhili highlighted the need for continued cooperation to ensure safe delivery of humanitarian and medical services to internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities. It added that he sought deeper collaboration to enhance ICRC’s operational effectiveness.
According to the Army, Major General Abubakar acknowledged ICRC’s role in humanitarian support and assured the organisation of continued security backing for its activities across the state.
The Nigerian Army said both visits included the signing of visitors’ registers, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs, with the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, and other senior officers in attendance.
