By Chimezie Godfrey
The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has hosted high-level visits by international humanitarian partners and regional stakeholders, aimed at strengthening civil–military cooperation, humanitarian access, and economic stability in Borno State.
The engagements were led by the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS), Mrs Florence Paussin, who visited from New York to deepen collaboration on the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.
Mrs Paussin commended OPHK for its professionalism and efforts in safeguarding civilians and humanitarian workers. She said the visit was to better understand the security environment and strengthen partnership with OPHK, especially in securing escorts for UN personnel. She reaffirmed UN DSS’ commitment to supporting OPHK in achieving its mandate.
Responding, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, welcomed the delegation and acknowledged the critical role of UN DSS in facilitating humanitarian operations.
He noted that OPHK conducts both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with humanitarian support remaining a key priority. He added that while the security situation has largely been contained, vigilance remains essential at all levels.
Abubakar assured UN DSS of sustained security support for its operations across the theatre.
In another engagement, the Team Leader and Head of Operations of the 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.
Mr Buvhili praised OPHK for its support to ICRC operations, particularly in family reunification, healthcare delivery, immunisation, and nutrition programmes. He sought deeper collaboration to enhance operational effectiveness.
Abubakar described the ICRC as a dependable partner and commended its contributions to restoring normalcy and supporting livelihoods. He reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to supporting ICRC activities, noting that improved security conditions have enhanced humanitarian access across the state.
The visits featured the signing of visitors’ registers, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs. The Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, senior officers, and personnel were present.