OPHK Deepens Humanitarian Security Partnerships with UN DSS, ICRC Assures Security, Peace, Economic Stability in the North East Region

Maiduguri, Borno State Tuesday

The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Tuesday hosted a series of high-level visits by key international humanitarian partners and regional stakeholders, underscoring strengthened civil–military cooperation, enhanced humanitarian access, and efforts toward sustained peace and economic stability in Borno State and the wider North East region.

A statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, disclosed that the engagements were led by the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS), Mrs Florence Paussin, who visited OPHK from New York to deepen collaboration aimed at the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities across the region.

Mrs Paussin commended OPHK for its professionalism and sustained efforts in safeguarding civilians and humanitarian workers. She explained that the visit was intended to provide a clearer understanding of the prevailing security environment and to strengthen partnership with OPHK, particularly in securing escorts that would enable United Nations personnel to access communities in dire need of assistance. She reaffirmed the commitment of UN DSS to supporting OPHK in the achievement of its mandate.

In his response, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the UN DSS delegation and acknowledged the critical role the organization plays in facilitating humanitarian operations within the theatre. He stated that OPHK conducts both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with humanitarian support remaining a core priority. While noting that the security situation has largely been contained, the Theatre Commander emphasized that vigilance remains essential at all levels and assured UN DSS of sustained security support for its operations across the North East.

In a similar engagement, the Team Leader and Head of Operations, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mr Yanich Buvhili, led a delegation to OPHK, calling for continued collaboration to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian and medical services to internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities in Borno State.

Mr Buvhili praised OPHK for its consistent support to ICRC operations, particularly in facilitating access for family reunification, healthcare delivery, immunisation, and nutrition programmes. He also sought deeper collaboration to further enhance operational effectiveness amid prevailing humanitarian challenges.

Major General Abubakar described the ICRC as a dependable partner and commended its contributions toward restoring normalcy and supporting livelihoods through humanitarian assistance. He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to supporting ICRC activities, noting that improved security conditions—bolstered by ongoing military operations—have significantly enhanced humanitarian access across the state.

The visits featured the signing of visitors’ registers, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs. Also present at the engagements were the Deputy Theatre Commander, OPHK, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, alongside senior staff officers and personnel of Operation HADIN KAI, the statement concluded.