By Bavoriat Clara
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has praised the outgoing Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Mr. Trond Jensen, for his unwavering commitment and partnership in supporting humanitarian and stabilisation efforts in the North-East.
The commendation was issued in a statement by the Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East OPHK, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, following Mr. Jensen’s farewell visit to Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri on Thursday, 4 December 2025.
Major General Abubakar described the UN OCHA chief as a reliable partner whose leadership significantly strengthened joint efforts to restore normalcy and improve civilian welfare in conflict-affected communities. He said Mr. Jensen’s exit would be felt deeply across the Command due to the productive working relationship built over the years.
The Theatre Commander highlighted the progress recorded through close collaboration with UN OCHA, particularly in non-kinetic operations that have supported vulnerable populations and improved access to humanitarian assistance. He, however, expressed concern over OCHA’s planned drawdown in Nigeria by 2028, cautioning that reduced operations could negatively affect malnutrition interventions, vaccination drives and other life-saving services. He called for proactive measures to address potential gaps.
Major General Abubakar reaffirmed OPHK’s readiness to continue providing the necessary support to UN OCHA and assured that the same level of cooperation extended to Mr. Jensen would be maintained with his successor. He also noted that combined efforts involving OPHK and Agro Rangers would intensify pressure on terrorist elements, especially during the harvest season.
In his response, Mr. Jensen thanked the Theatre Commander for the sustained support and collaboration, acknowledging the challenging security environment in which humanitarian agencies operate. He explained that the organization’s transition—expected to culminate in reduced activities by 2028—was driven by declining international funding rather than improvements in ground conditions. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to mobilize domestic resources to fill anticipated humanitarian gaps and called for continued protection of aid facilities and personnel.
Mr. Jensen was accompanied by the Humanitarian Affairs Officer and Civil-Military Coordinator, UN OCHA Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadunsun Ojo.
Also in attendance were the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga; Component Commanders; and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK.
The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ register, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs.
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