By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has reiterated the commitment of the Theatre Command to strengthening collaboration with humanitarian partners operating in the North East. He said the Command remains focused on restoring peace and enabling socio-economic recovery across the region.
According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, on 13 November 2025, Major General Abubakar gave the assurance when he received delegations from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Spain (Doctors Without Borders) during separate courtesy visits to Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri, Borno State.
While welcoming the Head of the ICRC Sub-delegation in Maiduguri, Diana Japaridze, and her team, the Theatre Commander commended the ICRC for its consistent support to conflict-affected populations. He acknowledged the organization’s critical contributions to capacity building, humanitarian assistance, and victim support in conflict environments.
“We will continue to sustain and deepen the cordial relationship that exists between the Theatre Command and the ICRC, and also explore more opportunities for cooperation,” Major General Abubakar assured.
In her remarks, Diana Japaridze expressed appreciation for the openness and cooperation of the Theatre Command. She explained that the ICRC’s mandate focuses on assisting persons affected or separated by conflict, ensuring their access to humanitarian aid and family reunification services.
The ICRC delegation also included the Deputy Protection Coordinator, Mr. Kouame Noel, and the Armed Forces and Security Adviser, Lieutenant Colonel Babatunde Lawal (retired). The visit featured signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs, and a group photograph.
Similarly, the Theatre Commander received the Coordinator of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Spain, Mr. Omer Sarikaya, and his team, in a separate engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation in the delivery of life-saving medical services to vulnerable populations across the North East.
Mr. Sarikaya expressed appreciation to the Theatre Command for its support, noting that MSF continues to work closely with the Borno State Ministry of Health and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH). He highlighted MSF’s interventions in maternal healthcare, cholera response, infection prevention, nutrition, sanitation, and emergency medical services, while also acknowledging logistical challenges requiring continued military collaboration.
Responding, Major General Abubakar commended MSF’s humanitarian interventions and described the organization as a reliable partner in ongoing stabilization efforts.
“Our mandate in Operation HADIN KAI is to facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the North East to enable socio-economic activities to thrive. This can only be achieved through strong collaboration with humanitarian actors such as MSF. I assure you of our continued support to ensure you achieve your mission successfully,” he said.
The visits, attended by Component Commanders and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command, underscore the robust civil–military cooperation and humanitarian coordination driving current counterterrorism and stabilization efforts across the North East.
Highlights of the engagements included interactive sessions, signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs, and group photographs.
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