Taiwo POPOOLA
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has directed military commanders to strengthen security along vulnerable humanitarian supply routes in Borno State, particularly the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala corridor, following persistent threats posed by terrorist groups.
Shaibu gave the directive during a meeting with the Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, UN OCHA, in Nigeria, Danielle Parry, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the army chief called for enhanced force protection measures, improved convoy escort arrangements and closer coordination between the military and humanitarian organisations to ensure the safe movement of aid workers and relief supplies.
He also reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to providing security for humanitarian operations, especially as the decongestion of internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps and the resettlement of affected communities continue across Borno State.
Shaibu directed the Theatre Commander to reinforce security along the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala axis, describing the route as one of the areas where remnants of terrorist groups continue to threaten humanitarian activities.
He further urged UN OCHA to optimise available resources through improved logistics planning, including local warehousing and wider implementation of the humanitarian reset initiative, amid declining global humanitarian funding.
Speaking during the meeting, Parry commended the Nigerian Army for supporting humanitarian operations across the North-East, noting that nearly six million people still depend on humanitarian assistance despite shrinking international funding.
She identified insecurity in Gwoza, Bama, Damboa, Dikwa and Monguno as major obstacles to humanitarian access and appealed for sustained military support, including the clearance of improvised explosive devices, intensified patrols along key supply routes and enhanced security escorts for humanitarian convoys.
