By Harriet Tornguvan
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting civil authorities and relevant government agencies in addressing the challenges confronting refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the assurance while receiving the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS underscored the close link between security and displacement, stressing that sustainable solutions to refugee and IDP challenges are dependent on improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation.
He noted 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 facilitates the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of displaced persons.
Additionally, 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 wellbeing of affected populations.
In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner, Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the COAS for the Nigerian Army’s consistent support to the Commission.
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.
The Commissioner also solicited continued collaboration and support from the Nigerian Army as the Commission prepares for another similar mission.
He emphasised that sustained partnership with the military is essential not only for operational success but also for ensuring that humanitarian interventions translate into improved livelihoods, dignity and overall wellbeing for displaced persons.
