The Nigerian Army has strengthened its partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to enhance the protection of civilians and promote adherence to humanitarian standards in military operations.
This was confirmed during a meeting at the Army Headquarters in Abuja, where the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, Doris El Doueihy.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the engagement reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the ICRC while advancing the integration of International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and civilian protection into military operations.
Lieutenant General Shaibu described respect for human rights, strong civil-military relations and strict compliance with International Humanitarian Law as essential components of the Army’s operational doctrine.
ALSO READ: Nigerian Army Expands Presence with New Medical Centre
He explained that protecting civilians and observing internationally recognised humanitarian principles not only fulfil legal and ethical obligations but also improve operational effectiveness by strengthening public confidence and reinforcing the legitimacy of military operations.
The COAS further noted that the Nigerian Army has institutionalised International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and established rules of engagement across its training institutions to ensure officers and soldiers continually operate in line with globally accepted professional standards.
He added that the Army remains committed to implementing its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, improving detention management, facilitating humanitarian access and adopting international best practices that support mission success while safeguarding civilian lives.
Responding, Doris El Doueihy commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, transparency and sustained cooperation with humanitarian partners.
She observed that the partnership has strengthened the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected communities, improved the protection of vulnerable populations and supported progress in detention management through adherence to internationally recognised humanitarian standards.
The evolving approach reflects the Nigerian Army’s broader effort to build a force where operational excellence and humanitarian responsibility reinforce one another.
According to the statement, as contemporary security environments become more complex, professionalism is increasingly defined not only by combat capability but also by discipline, accountability and the ability to sustain public trust throughout military operations.
“The continued collaboration illustrates a shared recognition that humanitarian principles are no longer peripheral to military operations but increasingly form part of the institutional foundations upon which effective, legitimate and sustainable security operations are built,” the stament noted.
