The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has ordered military commanders to tighten security along key humanitarian supply routes in Borno State, particularly the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala corridor, following continued threats from terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
The directive is aimed at ensuring the safe movement of humanitarian workers and relief materials to thousands of people affected by the long-running insurgency in the region.
Lt. Gen. Shaibu gave the order during a meeting with the Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Danielle Parry, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Details of the meeting were contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele.
According to the statement, the army chief instructed commanders to strengthen force protection measures, improve convoy escort arrangements and deepen cooperation between the military and humanitarian organisations working in conflict-affected communities.
The move comes as humanitarian agencies continue to face security challenges while delivering food, medicine and other essential supplies to communities affected by years of insurgency in Borno and other parts of the North-East.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army remained committed to providing security for humanitarian operations, especially as the Federal Government continues efforts to close internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and resettle displaced families in their communities.
He directed the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI to reinforce security along the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala road, describing the route as one of the areas where remnants of terrorist groups still pose a serious threat to humanitarian activities.
The Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala axis is one of the most important supply routes in Borno State. It connects several communities that rely heavily on humanitarian assistance because of the destruction caused by years of attacks by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The road is frequently used by aid agencies transporting food, medical supplies and other relief materials to vulnerable populations.
Despite improvements in security in some parts of the state, attacks by insurgents, roadside bombs and ambushes remain major concerns for both security forces and humanitarian workers.
The army chief stressed that stronger security along the corridor would help ensure that relief materials reach those who need them without unnecessary delays or risks.
He also called on UN OCHA and other humanitarian organisations to make better use of available resources by improving logistics planning in response to declining international humanitarian funding.
Shaibu encouraged the organisation to consider expanding local warehousing facilities to reduce transportation challenges and support the wider implementation of what he described as the humanitarian reset initiative.
The recommendation comes at a time when many international donors are reducing humanitarian funding because of competing global crises, putting pressure on aid agencies operating in conflict zones.
With fewer resources available, humanitarian organisations are increasingly being forced to prioritise critical interventions while seeking more efficient ways to deliver assistance to affected populations.
Speaking during the meeting, Danielle Parry praised the Nigerian Army for its continued support to humanitarian operations across the North-East.
She acknowledged the role of military personnel in providing security for aid workers and facilitating access to communities that would otherwise be difficult to reach because of insecurity.
Parry, however, noted that the humanitarian situation in the region remains serious.
According to her, nearly six million people across the North-East still depend on humanitarian assistance for survival despite the reduction in international funding.
She said insecurity remains one of the biggest obstacles to reaching vulnerable communities, particularly in Gwoza, Bama, Damboa, Dikwa and Monguno local government areas of Borno State.
These areas have experienced repeated attacks by insurgents over the years, forcing many residents to flee their homes and disrupting farming, trade and other economic activities.
Parry appealed for continued military support to enable humanitarian agencies to carry out their work safely.
She specifically requested sustained clearance of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), increased military patrols along major humanitarian supply routes and stronger security escorts for humanitarian convoys moving across the state.
According to her, these measures would significantly improve access to communities that urgently need food, healthcare, clean water and other essential services.
The North-East has remained one of Nigeria’s biggest humanitarian crises since the Boko Haram insurgency began more than 15 years ago.
The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions of people and destroyed homes, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
Although the Nigerian military has recorded several successes against terrorist groups through Operation HADIN KAI and other security operations, insurgents continue to launch attacks in remote communities and along major roads.
The military has also intensified efforts to encourage displaced persons to return to their communities as security improves in some areas.
However, humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that many returnees still require food assistance, healthcare, shelter, education and livelihood support to rebuild their lives.
The Federal Government has continued to work with the United Nations, international development partners and non-governmental organisations to provide humanitarian assistance while promoting long-term recovery and reconstruction in the region.
Improved intelligence sharing, stronger military presence along vulnerable routes and better coordination between all stakeholders are expected to reduce security risks and ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance.
The latest directive by the Chief of Army Staff underscores the Nigerian Army’s determination to protect humanitarian operations while supporting the government’s broader efforts to restore normal life in communities devastated by insurgency.