By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, has received the Deputy Director General Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs Ogechi Daniel’s, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The visit provided an opportunity for both parties to deepen discussions on strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism across Nigeria.
In her remarks, Mrs Daniels commended the Nigerian Government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, a model for rehabilitation and reintegration that has now expanded beyond the North East to the North West and North Central regions. She affirmed IOM’s readiness to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in new areas such as Zamfara State.
The IOM Deputy DG also highlighted the importance of improving data for disaster risk reduction and working in a coordinated manner with national stakeholders.
She noted that IOM provides technical support in border management and early warning systems and maintains field presence in all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. She further disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence Phase 4 of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration.
While appreciating the Federal Government for creating the space for IOM to operate in Nigeria, Mrs Daniel reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons with a focus on development. She stressed that joint research collaboration will be critical in ensuring the sustainability of peace and reintegration approaches across Nigeria.
In his response, the CDS warmly welcomed Mrs Daniels to Defence Headquarters and acknowledged IOM’s long-standing partnership, particularly in the North East.
He emphasised the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with IOM and other stakeholders in advancing peace and stability despite the challenges of limited funding. “We support everybody that makes our work easier,” General Musa noted.
The visit underscores the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to deepen collaboration in addressing insecurity, displacement, and migration challenges while promoting sustainable peace and development.
