COAS Reaffirms Nigerian Army’s Commitment To Protecting, Reintegrating Displaced Persons
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting civilians and supporting the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
General Shaibu gave the assurance on Thursday, January 22, 2026, while receiving the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Honourable Dr Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS underscored the strong link between security and displacement, noting that sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by refugees and IDPs are dependent on improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation. He stated that the Nigerian Army remains fully aligned with national efforts aimed at restoring peace and creating an enabling environment for humanitarian and development interventions to thrive.
According to him, ongoing military operations nationwide continue to prioritise the protection of civilians and the provision of a secure environment that supports the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of displaced persons. He further assured the Commission of the Army’s readiness to sustain support for humanitarian initiatives focused on restoring dignity, improving livelihoods and enhancing the overall well-being of affected populations.
In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner, Honourable Dr Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the COAS for the Nigerian Army’s consistent support to the Commission over the years.
He recalled the critical role played by the Army during previous evacuation and repatriation exercises of Nigerians from Cameroon, which he said contributed significantly to the success of those operations.
Dr Ahmed also sought sustained collaboration and support from the Nigerian Army as the Commission prepares for another similar mission. He emphasised that strong partnership with the military is vital not only for operational success but also for ensuring that humanitarian interventions lead to improved livelihoods, dignity and overall well-being for displaced persons.
