The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Monday received the Deputy Director General (Operations) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs. Ogechi Daniels, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The visit provided a platform to strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and the IOM in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism.
In her remarks, Mrs. Daniels lauded the Nigerian Government for its leadership in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, describing it as a model for rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants. She noted that the initiative has expanded beyond the North East to cover the North West and North Central, while affirming IOM’s readiness to deploy experts in Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) to new areas such as Zamfara State.
The IOM Deputy DG also stressed the need for improved data on disaster risk reduction and enhanced coordination with national stakeholders. She disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to launch Phase 4 of its rehabilitation and community-based reintegration projects.
Mrs. Daniels further pledged IOM’s continued support for safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with a focus on development and joint research collaborations to sustain peacebuilding and reintegration approaches across Nigeria.
Responding, General Musa welcomed Mrs. Daniels and acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership, particularly in the North East. He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to working with IOM and other stakeholders to advance peace and stability despite financial challenges.
“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” the CDS stated.
The visit, officials said, underscored the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to addressing insecurity, displacement, and migration challenges while promoting lasting peace and development.
