The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to supporting humanitarian operations, protecting civilians and enabling the restoration of livelihoods across the North East through sustained cooperation with humanitarian agencies.
Major General Ajose gave the assurance on Thursday, 8 October 2026, when he received the Deputy Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Mrs. Patricia Mucheche, and her delegation at Headquarters OPHK, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State.
A statement by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, said Mucheche commended the command’s cooperation with the humanitarian community, particularly in facilitating access and the safe, timely delivery of assistance to vulnerable populations.
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The UN OCHA delegation also highlighted challenges affecting humanitarian activities, including threats from improvised explosive devices, security concerns along main supply routes and declining donor funding.
Mucheche called for sustained security measures along critical routes and farming areas, alongside improved coordination and timely information sharing to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel and essential supplies.
In response, Major General Ajose assured the delegation that OPHK would continue taking appropriate measures within its mandate to safeguard communities and support legitimate humanitarian activities, stressing that civilian protection remains central to ongoing operations.
The Theatre Commander also pledged to strengthen coordination with UN OCHA through regular engagements, appropriate information sharing and effective use of the organisation’s desk office at Headquarters OPHK to improve communication and address emerging humanitarian concerns.
He further noted that the command would sustain efforts to enable affected communities to access their farmlands safely, rebuild livelihoods and gradually return to normal life.
Major General Ajose reiterated OPHK’s determination to consolidate operational gains, deny terrorists freedom of action and maintain a secure environment for humanitarian assistance and socio-economic activities across the North East.
