By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has reinforced its humanitarian and security partnerships following a series of high-level engagements with international humanitarian organisations in Borno State, aimed at improving civilian protection, humanitarian access and regional stability.
One of the visits was led by the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS), Florence Paussin, who arrived from New York to deepen cooperation with OPHK on the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities across the North-East.
Ms Paussin commended OPHK for its professionalism and sustained efforts to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. She explained that the visit was intended to gain a clearer understanding of the prevailing security environment and to strengthen collaboration, particularly in facilitating security escorts that would enable UN personnel to reach communities in need. She reaffirmed the commitment of UN DSS to supporting OPHK in the execution of its mandate.
In his response, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the vital role of UN DSS in supporting humanitarian operations.
He noted that OPHK conducts both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with humanitarian support remaining a core component of its mission. While stating that the security situation has largely been brought under control, he stressed the need for sustained vigilance and assured UN DSS of continued security support across the theatre.
In a related engagement, the Team Leader and Head of Operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Yanich Buvhili, also led a delegation to OPHK, calling for deeper collaboration to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian and medical services to internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups in Borno State.
Buvhili praised OPHK for its consistent support to ICRC activities, particularly in facilitating family reunification, healthcare services, immunisation and nutrition programmes. He urged stronger cooperation to enhance operational effectiveness in the face of existing challenges.
Major General Abubakar described the ICRC as a reliable and trusted partner, commending its contributions to restoring normalcy and supporting livelihoods through humanitarian interventions.
He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to continued support for 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, exchange 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.
