UN DSS, ICRC Deepen Collaboration With OPHK On Civilian Protection In Borno
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Tuesday hosted high-level delegations from key international humanitarian organisations, reinforcing civil–military cooperation, humanitarian access, and efforts to sustain peace and economic stability in Borno State and the wider North East region.
Leading the engagements was the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS), Mrs Florence Paussin, who arrived from New York to strengthen collaboration with OPHK on the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.
Mrs Paussin commended OPHK for its professionalism and commitment to the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. She explained that the visit was aimed at gaining deeper insight into the prevailing security environment and enhancing partnership with OPHK, particularly in facilitating security escorts to enable United Nations personnel access communities in need. She reaffirmed UN DSS’ continued support for OPHK in the execution of its mandate.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the critical role UN DSS plays in supporting humanitarian operations. He noted that OPHK conducts both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with humanitarian assistance remaining a core priority. While the security situation has largely been contained, he stressed that sustained vigilance remains essential, assuring UN DSS of continued security support across the theatre of operations.
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 sustained 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 activities, particularly in facilitating family reunification, healthcare delivery, immunisation, and nutrition programmes. He called for deeper cooperation to further enhance operational effectiveness amid existing challenges.
Major General Abubakar described the ICRC as a reliable and dependable partner, commending its role in restoring normalcy and supporting livelihoods through humanitarian interventions. He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to supporting ICRC operations, noting that improved security conditions resulting from ongoing military efforts have significantly enhanced humanitarian access across the state.
The visits featured the signing of visitors’ registers, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs. 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.
