Nigerian Army Reaffirms Support for Refugees, Migrants, IDPs — COAS

Nigerian Army Reaffirms Support for Refugees, Migrants, IDPs — COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army (NA) to supporting civil authorities and relevant government agencies in addressing the challenges facing refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.

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General Shaibu gave the assurance on Thursday, January 22, 2026, while receiving the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Honourable Dr. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The COAS emphasized the strong link between security and displacement, noting that sustainable solutions to refugee and IDP challenges are closely tied to improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation. He stressed that the Nigerian Army remains fully aligned with national efforts aimed at restoring peace and creating an enabling environment for humanitarian and development interventions to thrive.

He stated that through its ongoing operations nationwide, the Nigerian Army continues to prioritize the protection of civilians while ensuring a secure environment that supports the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of displaced persons. General Shaibu assured the Commission of the Army’s readiness to sustain its support for humanitarian initiatives focused on restoring dignity, improving livelihoods and enhancing the overall well-being of affected populations.

In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner, Honourable Dr. Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, expressed appreciation to the COAS for the Nigerian Army’s longstanding support to the Commission. He recalled the critical role played by the Army during previous evacuation and repatriation exercises of Nigerians from Cameroon, which he said contributed significantly to the success of those operations.

Dr. Ahmed further requested sustained collaboration and support from the Nigerian Army as the Commission prepares to undertake another similar mission. He emphasized that strong partnership with the military remains essential not only for operational success, but also for ensuring that humanitarian interventions translate into improved livelihoods, dignity and overall well-being for refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons across the country.

Nigerian Army Reaffirms Support for Refugees, Migrants, IDPs — COAS