The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to guaranteeing safe and unhindered humanitarian access across conflict-affected areas, as the United Nations says nearly six million people in the North East still depend on aid.
The Army disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on July 31, 2026 and signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, following a meeting between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and the Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Miss Danielle Parry.
Shaibu said ensuring humanitarian access remains central to the military’s strategy to consolidate security gains, support the safe return of displaced persons and stabilise affected communities.
“Guaranteeing safe and unhindered humanitarian access remains a vital pillar of the Nigerian Army’s comprehensive strategy to consolidate operational successes and foster enduring peace,” he said.
The COAS assured humanitarian partners of continued military support, including securing key operational corridors for the movement of aid workers, relief materials and critical supplies.
He, however, acknowledged ongoing security risks, particularly in areas affected by the decongestion of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and resettlement efforts in Borno State.
As part of new measures, Shaibu directed the Theatre Commander to reinforce security along vulnerable supply routes, especially the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala axis, where remnants of terrorist elements continue to pose threats.
He also called for enhanced convoy escort arrangements, improved force protection strategies and stronger coordination between the military and humanitarian organisations.
In addition, the Army chief urged UN OCHA to strengthen logistics planning through local warehousing and expanded implementation of the Humanitarian Reset Initiative to sustain aid delivery despite funding challenges.
Earlier, Parry commended the Nigerian Army for its support to humanitarian operations but warned that funding constraints and insecurity continue to limit access in several areas.
“Nearly six million people still depend on humanitarian assistance, even as global humanitarian funding continues to decline,” she said.
She identified Gwoza, Bama, Damboa, Dikwa and Monguno as critical locations where security challenges are restricting aid delivery and appealed for sustained military support.
Parry also requested increased assistance in clearing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance, intensified patrols along key supply routes during the rainy season, and enhanced security escorts for humanitarian convoys.
She reaffirmed the UN agency’s commitment to deepening civil-military coordination, noting that sustained collaboration remains essential to protecting vulnerable populations and advancing recovery and development in the region.
