Defence Minister Commends ICRC for Humanitarian Support in North-East Nigeria
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has commended the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its sustained humanitarian interventions in Nigeria, particularly in conflict-affected communities across the North-East.
The Minister gave the commendation while receiving a delegation from the ICRC at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
General Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting human rights and adhering to international best practices and protocols in civil-military relations. He stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in addressing the security challenges facing parts of the country.
The Defence Minister expressed concern over the persistent insurgency in the North-East and North-West regions, calling on citizens and relevant stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and restore peace.
“Security is everybody’s business, and all must unite against terrorism and insurgency threatening national stability,” he said.
Earlier, the Head of Delegation of the ICRC, Doris El Doueihy, appreciated the continued collaboration between the ICRC and the Nigerian military, describing the relationship as vital to delivering humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas.
She also commended the Federal Government for the recent launch of a new training programme for military police in Zaria and reaffirmed the ICRC’s strong partnership with the Nigerian Armed Forces as part of its expanded humanitarian operations in the North-East and North-West.
According to her, the ICRC has significantly increased its presence in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states to support vulnerable populations affected by conflict.
El Doueihy emphasized the need to discourage prolonged detention without family contact and appealed to the Minister to ensure Red Cross officials are granted access to detainees to help reconnect them with their families.
She further acknowledged ongoing progress in detainee hearings and encouraged stronger coordination with the Ministry of Justice to address overcrowding in detention facilities.
The meeting underscored the continued cooperation between Nigeria and the ICRC in promoting humanitarian values, protecting human rights, and supporting communities impacted by insecurity.
