The Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, Mr Yann Bonzon has extolled the support of the Nigerian Army towards the attainment of its humanitarian efforts.
Mr Yann Bonzon gave the commendation when he led a high powered delegation of the organisation on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya at the Army Headquarters (AHQ), on 20 January 2022 Abuja.
Humanitarian challenges
He said the visit became necessary to discuss humanitarian challenges so as to find ways and means of surmounting them.
He also appreciated the support of the NA and the protection given to staffs of ICRC during humanitarian activities in the North East and other operational areas across the country.
Mr Yann also acknowledged the long existing relationship and formidable bond between the two organisations and pledged to continue the partnership while pledging that ICRC would continue to dialogue with the NA until common ground is attained.
Research packages
The COAS, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, appreciated the immense contribution of ICRC in the NA’s activities especially in the area of humanitarian assistance, training and research packages in theatres of operations, units, colleges and training institutions, which he said has impacted meaningfully in handling of humanitarian activities.
General Yahaya stated that the NA is willing to interact and cooperate with ICRC and any other organisation in the conduct of its operations. He therefore pledged NA’s continued partnership with the ICRC and urged the organisation not to relent in the support given to troops in the field, units formations and training institutions.
The President of African Bar Association (AFBA), Mr Hannibal Uwaifo also paid a courtesy visit to the COAS and said the NA and the Defence Headquarters are the strongest allies to African Bar Association, explaining that the Armed Forces has rendered assistance to the AFBA in several areas.
He encouraged the media to always seek clarification before going to press, especially on areas such as terrorism and asymmetric warfare.
Greater participation
Mr Hannibal Uwaifo used the opportunity to intimate the COAS on the upcoming Military and Security Agencies Conference of the association in Malawi and other conferences scheduled for year 2022 and called for greater participation of the Nigerian Army especially the Human rights desk officers.
The COAS Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, appreciated AFBA for its support and cooperation to the NA and the Armed Forces of Nigeria while pledging greater participation of the NA in its forthcoming activity as it promised continued partnership in areas of common interest.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.
Lateefah Ibrahim
