By Bavoriat Clara
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting civil authorities and relevant government agencies in addressing the challenges facing refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
This assurance was given, when the COAS received the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Honourable Dr Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Lieutenant General Shaibu highlighted the strong link between security and displacement, noting that sustainable solutions to refugee and IDP challenges are closely tied to improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation.
He stressed 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 succeed.
The COAS further stated that through its ongoing operations nationwide, the Nigerian Army continues 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 assured the Commission of the Army’s readiness to sustain its support for humanitarian initiatives targeted at 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 longstanding support to the Commission. He recalled the critical role played by the Army during previous evacuation and repatriation exercises of Nigerians from Cameroon, noting that the military’s involvement contributed significantly to the success of those operations.
Dr Ahmed further sought sustained collaboration and support from the Nigerian Army as the Commission prepares to undertake another similar mission, emphasising that effective 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 well-being for displaced persons.
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