OPHK, OCHA Deepen Cooperation on Civilian Protection, Aid Delivery
By Ali Mohammed Zanna, Maiduguri
The Theatre Command of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) have pledged to strengthen collaboration to improve civilian protection and facilitate humanitarian assistance across the North-East.
The commitment followed a meeting between the Theatre Commander, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, and the Deputy Head of Office, UN OCHA, Mrs Patricia Mucheche, who led a delegation to the OPHK Headquarters at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Thursday.
Mucheche congratulated Ajose on his assumption of office as the 16th Theatre Commander and commended the military for its continued cooperation with humanitarian organisations, particularly in facilitating access to vulnerable communities and the delivery of relief assistance.
She, however, identified security challenges affecting humanitarian operations, including the threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), security concerns along Main Supply Routes (MSRs) and declining donor funding.
The UN OCHA official called for sustained security measures along major routes and farming areas, as well as improved information sharing and coordination between security and humanitarian actors.
Responding, Ajose assured the delegation that OPHK would continue to provide the necessary security environment for legitimate humanitarian activities while placing civilian protection at the centre of its operations.
He said the Theatre Command would strengthen engagement with UN OCHA through regular consultations, timely information sharing and effective use of the UN OCHA Desk Office at OPHK Headquarters.
The Theatre Commander also said efforts would be sustained to enable affected communities to safely access their farmlands, restore livelihoods and gradually return to normal life.
Ajose further reaffirmed OPHK’s determination to consolidate operational gains and deny terrorists freedom of action while maintaining conditions conducive to humanitarian assistance and socio-economic activities across the North-East.
The meeting underscored the importance of sustained coordination between security and humanitarian actors in addressing emerging challenges and protecting vulnerable populations in the region.
