Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has received renewed endorsements from key international humanitarian organizations following separate courtesy visits by senior representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to Headquarters Theatre Command.
A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna m Sani, acting media information officer HQ JTF North East operation hadin Kai said the engagements underscored the growing synergy between military and humanitarian actors in supporting peace, security, and the protection of vulnerable populations across the North East.
Leading the WFP delegation, the Head of WFP Area Office, Mr Emmanuel Bigenimana, commended OPHK for its unwavering support in facilitating humanitarian operations throughout the region. He noted that the security gains achieved by the military have significantly enhanced humanitarian access, enabling the safe and timely delivery of food assistance and other life-saving interventions to conflict-affected communities. He further emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between security agencies and humanitarian organizations in addressing the challenges of food insecurity and humanitarian access in the region.
Similarly, the UNICEF Child Protection Section, led by Ms Mona Aika, reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration with OPHK in implementing the Children Associated with Armed Conflict Handover Protocol signed between the Government of Nigeria and the United Nations in 2022. Ms Aika highlighted the importance of the protocol in ensuring the protection, dignified treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict, describing it as a critical framework for safeguarding children’s rights in conflict environments.
In his remarks, the Theatre Commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation to both organizations for their continued support and partnership. He described WFP and UNICEF as dependable stakeholders in OPHK’s non-kinetic lines of operation and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to creating and sustaining a secured environment that enables humanitarian agencies to operate effectively. He assured both organizations of continued military support through enhanced cooperation, security arrangements, capacity building initiatives, and operational coordination aimed at facilitating humanitarian interventions and strengthening child protection efforts.
The visits further highlighted the positive impact of ongoing security operations in creating conditions for humanitarian action, community recovery, and long-term stabilization across the North East. OPHK remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships with humanitarian and development organizations in support of its mandate to restore lasting peace, protect civilians, and improve the well-being of affected populations. The engagements concluded with the signing of the visitors’ register, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs attended by the Chief of Staff Headquarters OPHK, Component Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and other senior officers.
