Nigerian Army, ICRC Strengthen Partnership on Humanitarian Protection, National Security

The Nigerian Army and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration aimed at strengthening national security, promoting human rights and enhancing the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas across the country.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, made the commitment on Wednesday while receiving the Head of Delegation of the ICRC in Nigeria, Doris El Doueihy, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The Army Chief said the Nigerian Army remains committed to promoting human rights, strengthening civil-military relations and ensuring strict compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), stressing that respect for humanitarian principles is critical to operational effectiveness and building public trust in the Armed Forces.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the COAS described the ICRC as a trusted strategic partner whose longstanding collaboration with the Nigerian Army has continued to enhance humanitarian action, operational professionalism and stability in conflict-affected communities.

Lieutenant General Shaibu disclosed that the Nigerian Army has fully integrated International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and standard rules of engagement into its training programmes at all levels. 

He added that the Army is also implementing its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, improving detention management, facilitating humanitarian access and adopting global best practices to ensure mission success while protecting civilian lives.

He noted that these measures reflect the Army's determination to conduct operations in line with international standards while maintaining the confidence of the Nigerian public.

In her remarks, the Head of the ICRC Delegation in Nigeria, Miss Doris El Doueihy, commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, transparency and sustained cooperation with the humanitarian organisation.

She said the partnership has significantly improved the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations and strengthened the protection of civilians affected by conflict.

El Doueihy also acknowledged the Army's progress in detention management and its commitment to upholding internationally recognised humanitarian standards.

The meeting further underscored the shared resolve of the Nigerian Army and the ICRC to sustain strategic collaboration in advancing humanitarian protection, enhancing operational professionalism and promoting lasting peace and security across the country.