The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting civilians and supporting national efforts aimed at the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons across the country.
According to a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS gave the assurance while receiving the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Dr Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
General Shaibu stressed that security and displacement are deeply interconnected, noting that durable solutions to the challenges facing refugees and internally displaced persons are closely tied to improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation.
He stated that through its ongoing operations nationwide, the Nigerian Army continues to prioritise the protection of civilians and the creation of a secure environment that enables humanitarian and development interventions to thrive.
The COAS further assured the Commission of the Army’s readiness to sustain support for initiatives focused on restoring dignity, improving livelihoods and enhancing the overall wellbeing of displaced populations, in line with national objectives.
Earlier, the Federal Commissioner, Dr Tijani Ahmed, expressed appreciation for the Nigerian Army’s longstanding support, recalling its critical role during previous evacuation and repatriation exercises of Nigerians from Cameroon.
He requested sustained collaboration as the Commission prepares for another similar mission, emphasising that effective partnership with the military remains essential to ensuring humanitarian interventions translate into lasting stability, dignity and improved livelihoods for displaced persons.