By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, on Tuesday received the Deputy Director General of Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs. Ogechi Daniels, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, where both sides pledged to strengthen collaboration in peacebuilding, migration management, and the fight against violent extremism.
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the visit highlighted the shared resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to address insecurity, displacement, and migration-related challenges across the country.
Mrs. Daniels commended the Federal Government for spearheading Operation Safe Corridor, which she described as a model programme for rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant insurgents. She noted that the initiative has now expanded beyond the North East to cover the North West and North Central, with IOM ready to deploy experts in Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in states such as Zamfara.
She also stressed the need to improve data for disaster risk reduction and foster stronger coordination with national stakeholders. According to her, IOM is already providing technical support in border management and early warning systems, while maintaining presence in all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. She disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to launch Phase Four of rehabilitation and community reintegration projects.
Reaffirming IOM’s commitment, Mrs. Daniels emphasized support for the safe return and local integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) with a stronger development focus. She added that joint research collaboration will play a crucial role in sustaining peace and reintegration programmes nationwide.
Responding, General Musa welcomed the IOM delegation and expressed gratitude for the organization’s long-standing partnership with Nigeria, particularly in the North East. He assured that the Armed Forces remain open to collaboration with international partners to achieve peace and stability despite resource constraints. “We support everybody that makes our work easier,” he said.
The meeting reinforced the ongoing partnership between Nigeria and IOM in promoting sustainable peace, rebuilding communities, and ensuring stability in conflict-affected regions.
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