By Akanimo Sampson
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Nigeria (OCHA) has suspended its operations in Dikwa and Damasak in Borno State temporarily following continued attacks by Boko Haram.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, who announced this, said the decision is sequel to incessant Boko Haram attacks in those areas.
According to him, the organisation’s operations in the two areas are being suspended to safely relocate the humanitarian staff to other locations.
In spite of this development, Defence Minister, Bashir Magashi, a retired Army Major-General, is commending the troops of Operation Lafiya Dole battling the menacing insurgents in the North-East part of the country, claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari appreciates their performance.
Magashi was speaking on Sunday while addressing the troops at the headquarters of the Theatre Command in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
“Let me begin by thanking you all for the work you have been doing.
“The job you have been doing is highly appreciated by our Commander in Chief of the Armed forces, President Buhari and he said we should come here and talk to you to continue with the effort”, Magashi said.
The minister who noted the injuries and loss of lives by some personnel in the course of the assignment assured them that their losses would not be in vain.
He observed that the Nigerian military has distinguished itself in various operations across the world and that of the insurgency would not be different.
“You are doing your best and we recognise that. You have already been baptised, all you need to do is to find the enemy and bring him to his knees.
“We have the resources, the equipment to improve your standard and training to be able to do this good job.
“We will continue to improve on your welfare and allowances and all that is due to you.
“Very soon we will embark on the recruitment of other soldiers and officers so that we can improve the manpower of our armed forces.
“Your commanders will brief you on further details of what we discussed with them”, Magashi said.
The minister whose visit was to assess the fighting spirit of the troops also urged the media to be patriotic in reporting the military.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister’s entourage included the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor; Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ishiaka Amao.
The minister and his team also visited injured soldiers at 7 Division Hospital.
Kallon’s statement:
‘’I am deeply concerned about the recent attacks on humanitarian operations in Dikwa and Damasak, affecting humanitarian assets and personnel.
“We have temporarily suspended operations in these areas in order to safely relocate humanitarian staff and are closely monitoring the situation.
‘’We intend to resume operations as soon as possible, so that civilians affected by the conflict continue to receive the assistance they need.
“I condemn in the strongest terms attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure which may constitute violations on International Humanitarian Law”.
