The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in addressing insecurity, forced displacement, and migration challenges across the country.
This followed a visit by Ogechi Daniels, IOM’s Deputy Director General of Operations to Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement both parties pledged to strengthen joint efforts in peacebuilding, reintegration, and countering violent extremism.
In her remarks, Daniels commended the Nigerian Government for its leadership in implementing Operation Safe Corridor—the flagship programme for the rehabilitation and reintegration of repentant insurgents.
She noted that the initiative, initially restricted to the North East, has now expanded to the North West and North Central regions, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to holistic peacebuilding.
She announced that the IOM was ready to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in Zamfara State and other conflict-affected areas, adding that such technical expertise would help consolidate peace and reduce vulnerabilities to renewed violence.
Daniels also underlined the importance of reliable data for disaster risk reduction and effective coordination among stakeholders.
She highlighted IOM’s technical support in strengthening border management and early warning systems, as well as its active presence across all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
She revealed that the organisation recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to launch the fourth phase of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration programmes in Nigeria.
While appreciating the Federal Government for providing an enabling environment for IOM’s work, Daniels reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting safe returns and the local integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
She further stressed the need for joint research initiatives to ensure that reintegration and peacebuilding strategies remain sustainable across Nigeria.
Responding, Musa welcomed the IOM delegation and expressed appreciation for the organisation’s long-standing partnership, especially in the North East where displacement and insecurity remain most pronounced.
He assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue to work closely with IOM and other stakeholders to enhance peace and stability, despite the limitations posed by scarce resources.
“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” the CDS said, noting that international partnerships such as IOM’s remain critical to Nigeria’s security and humanitarian response.
