The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has strengthened its humanitarian and security partnerships with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to improve peace, stability, and humanitarian access in the North East region.
The development followed high-level visits to the OPHK headquarters in Borno State by delegations from both organisations, aimed at deepening civil–military cooperation and ensuring the safe delivery of aid to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.
Leading the UN DSS delegation was the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, Mrs Florence Paussin, who said the visit was to assess the security environment and strengthen collaboration, particularly in providing secure escorts for humanitarian workers.
She commended OPHK for its professionalism and commitment to protecting civilians and aid personnel, reaffirming the UN DSS’ support for the task force’s mandate.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, described humanitarian support as a key component of military operations in the region. He said OPHK combines kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to sustain peace and stability.
Major General Abubakar noted that while the security situation has largely improved, continuous vigilance remains necessary. He assured the visiting delegations of sustained security backing for their operations.
In a similar engagement, the ICRC delegation, led by its Team Leader and Head of Operations, Mr Yanich Buvhili, sought closer cooperation to enhance medical and humanitarian services for internally displaced persons and vulnerable groups in Borno State.
Mr Buvhili praised OPHK for facilitating family reunification, healthcare delivery, immunisation, and nutrition programmes, and called for stronger collaboration to address operational challenges.
The Theatre Commander described the ICRC as a reliable partner and commended its contributions to restoring livelihoods and normalcy in affected communities. He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to supporting its activities, noting that improved security has expanded humanitarian access across the state.
The visits featured the signing of visitors’ registers, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs. The Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, senior officers, and personnel of Operation HADIN KAI were also in attendance.
