OPHK Hosts High-Level UN and ICRC Delegations to Boost Humanitarian Access in North East Nigeria

By Zainab Uzomah

The Headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in North East Nigeria on Tuesday received senior officials from key international humanitarian organisations, reinforcing efforts to improve civilian protection, humanitarian access, and regional stability in Borno State.

Florence Paussin, Team Leader and Deputy Director of Field Operations at the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), led the first delegation. Paussin, who arrived from New York, said the visit aimed to deepen cooperation with the Nigerian military to ensure the safe delivery of aid to vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities across the region.

According to OPHK spokesperson Lt Col Sani Uba, Paussin commended the military for its professionalism and ongoing work to safeguard both civilians and humanitarian personnel. She said the UN was seeking a clearer understanding of the current security situation, as well as strengthened coordination on security escorts to facilitate access to communities in need. She reaffirmed UNDSS’ commitment to supporting OPHK in fulfilling its mandate.

Receiving the delegation, Theatre Commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar highlighted the crucial role played by UNDSS in enabling humanitarian work in the North East. He said OPHK continues to conduct both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, stressing that humanitarian support remains a central priority. While noting that the security situation has improved significantly, he emphasised that constant vigilance is still required. He assured the UN of sustained security backing across the theatre.

In a separate engagement, a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) led by Head of Operations Yanich Buvhili visited the OPHK headquarters. Buvhili called for continued collaboration to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian and medical services to internally displaced people and other vulnerable groups in Borno.

Buvhili praised OPHK for facilitating ICRC activities, including family reunification, healthcare delivery, immunisation and nutrition programmes. He urged deeper cooperation to improve operational impact amid ongoing challenges.

Major General Abubakar described the ICRC as a reliable partner and commended its contributions to restoring normalcy and supporting livelihoods. He reiterated OPHK’s commitment to enabling ICRC operations, adding that improved security—driven by continued military efforts—has expanded humanitarian access across the state.

The visits concluded with the signing of visitors’ registers, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs. Senior officers, including the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, were present during the engagements.