The Theatre Commander of Northeast Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Maj-Gen. Christopher Musa has urged local and International Non-Governmental Organizations(INGOs) to operate within the military’s security rules and guidelines. According to him, the INGOs’ operations and interventions must be in accordance with global humanitarian procedures. Musa gave the advice Friday; at a maiden interactive session with members of INGOs operating in the Northeast at Maimalari Cantonment Officers’ Mess, Maiduguri. The 12-year insurgency has claimed 36, 000 lives and property worth $9.2 billion, (N3.42 trillion) in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
“There is the need for all of us to chart a new course in enhancing Civil-Military Cooperation,” he said,”noting that this is necessary for stakeholders, in the daunting security and humanitarian situations in the region. The Commander assured all the NGOs operating within the legal framework of his support. While responding, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Vincent Melei expressed his appreciation to the Theatre Commander for hosting the forum of INGOs. He said that this will create a platform for the NGOs to make suggestions on practical ways to ‘monitor and report’ issues as they occur. He emphasized the importance of providing adequate security for the NGOs to enable them perform their statutory responsibilities.
