Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), on Tuesday hosted a series of high-level visits by key international humanitarian partners and regional stakeholders, reinforcing civil–military cooperation, humanitarian access and regional economic stability in Borno State.
Leading the engagements was the Team Leader and Deputy Director, Department of Field Operations, United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UN DSS), Mrs Florence Paussin, who travelled from New York to deepen collaboration with OPHK aimed at the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities across the North-East.
Mrs Paussin commended OPHK for its professionalism and sustained efforts to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.
She said the visit was intended to provide a clearer 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 the commitment of UN DSS to supporting OPHK in the discharge of its mandate.
In his response, 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 explained that OPHK conducts both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, with humanitarian support remaining a key priority.
While noting that the security situation has largely been contained, he stressed that vigilance remains essential at all levels.
He assured UN DSS of continued security support for its activities across the theatre.
In a related 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 sustained 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 facilitating access for family reunification, healthcare delivery, immunisation and nutrition programmes.
He called for deeper cooperation 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 supporting ICRC activities, noting that improved security conditions—bolstered by ongoing operations—have significantly enhanced humanitarian access across the state.
The visits featured the signing of visitors’ registers, presentation of souvenirs and group photographs.
Also present were the Deputy Theatre Commander, OPHK, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, alongside senior staff officers and personnel of Operation HADIN KAI.
