The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), hosted a series of high-level key international humanitarian partners and regional stakeholders, underscoring strengthened civil–military cooperation, humanitarian access, and regional economic stability in Borno State.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel, SANI UBA, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI says Mrs Florence Paussin the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS), from OPHK New York led the team to deepen collaboration aimed at safely delivering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities across the North East region.
It adds, Mrs Paussin commended OPHK for its professionalism and ongoing efforts to safeguard civilians and humanitarian workers.
She said the visit was to have a better understanding of the prevailing security environment and to strengthen partnership with OPHK, particularly in securing escorts that would enable UN personnel to access communities in need.
She reaffirmed UN DSS’ commitment to supporting OPHK in achieving its mandate.
The Theatre Commander Joint Task Force ( North East ) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar acknowledged the critical role UN DSS plays in facilitating humanitarian operations.
He noted that OPHK conducts both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with humanitarian support remaining a key priority.
The Theatre Commander informed the delegation that the security situation had largely been contained, vigilance remains essential at all levels.
He assured the UN DSS of sustained security support for its operations across the theatre.
In a similar engagement, the Team Leader and Head of Operations, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mr Yanich Buvhili, led a delegation to OPHK, calling for continued collaboration to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian and medical services to internally displaced persons and vulnerable communities in Borno State.
Mr Buvhili praised OPHK for its support to ICRC operations, particularly in enabling access for family reunification, healthcare delivery, immunisation, and nutrition programmes.
He sought deeper collaboration to enhance operational effectiveness amid prevailing challenges.
Major General Abubakar described the ICRC as a dependable partner and commended its contributions to restoring normalcy and supporting livelihoods through humanitarian assistance.
He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to support ICRC activities, noting that improved security conditions—bolstered by ongoing operations—have enhanced humanitarian access across the state.
