The Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) has sought for closer collaboration and cooperation with 7 Division Nigerian Army in the Theatre of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) for a common level ground to enhance the Humanitarian situation brought upon by the activities of insurgents in the North East.
This appeal was made known by the Head of Civil Military Cooperation (UN-OCHA) Mr Brian Laguardia on Friday, when he led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Maj Gen Waidi Shaibu, in his office at the Division Headquarters in Maimalari Cantonment.
Mr Brian disclosed that the UN- OCHA has over the years been at the forefront in coordinating the affairs of International and National Non-Governmental Organisations humanitarian activities in the North East especially, as it affects the Internally Displaced Persons.
He added that in order for the UN to meet up with the humanitarian crisis in the region, they need to collaborate with the military who can provide that enabling environment and an easy communication mechanism for their activities to thrive.
In his remarks, the GOC welcome the team to his office and stated that the Nigerian Military has continued to ensure they provide the enabling environment for all agencies to operate in the North East.
He added that the protracted crisis and fight against insurgency is taking a new turn especially, as seen in the mass surrendering of Boko Haram fighters leading to a compelling need for urgent humanitarian intervention in their various holding facility as well as considering the need to empower both victims and the repentant insurgents.
General Shaibu reiterated that as both organisations sustained the existing mutual cooperation, the Nigerian Military will continue to do its best by providing all the necessary support with emphasis that “As a military, we cannot provide all humanitarian services to the teeming Internally Displaced Persons, that is why we strive to create an enabling environment for all agencies to operate in meeting the needs of the victims of insurgency he added.”
The highpoints of the visit were interactive session, presentation of plaque, signing of visitor’s book and group photograph.
The visit was graced by the the Chief of Staff Headquarters 7 Division, Brigadier General O.M Oyekola, Deputy Chief of Staff Training and Operations, Colonel N.G Mohammed, Deputy Chief of Staff Administration, Colonel S.O Bello, Deputy Director 7 Division Education, Colonel MS Bappaiya, other Formations and Unit Commanders as well as delegates from UN-OCHA.
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