Nicholas yesterday, met with Heads of Security Agencies and Non
Governmental Organizations (NGO) at the Headquarters, Theatre Command,
Maiduguri to deliberate on issues bordering on security and
humanitarian activities in the north east theatre of operation.
Speaking at the meeting, General Nicholas who expressed immense
appreciation for the humanitarian support of the NGOs to Internally
Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the north east, stated that the meeting
became necessary to address some unpleasant challenges arising from
both security and humanitarian activities in the region.
He disclosed that some unregistered NGOs had found their way to the
theatre and were operating without proper documentation with
appropriate Government supervisory agencies.
The activities of such NGOs, the Theatre commander noted were
undermining security in the theatre.
He urged all unregistered NGOs within the theatre to do so within two
weeks, as unregistered NGOs would no longer have access to IDP camps
and thorough fare at security check points.
The Theatre Commander also enjoined all NGOs in the Theatre to ensure
that conveyance of relief materials to locations in the theatre would
be conducted with road worthy vehicles to minimise the incidents of
breakdown, upon which the insurgents capitalise to pilfer food, fuel
and other logistics.
Reminding the NGOs of their neutrality and impartiality operational
principles, General Nicholas urged the NGOs to stick to their
statutory and organisational roles and avoid meddling in activities
that could jeopardize security.
He reiterated the support of all security agencies under the aegis of
Operation Lafiya Dole for the NGOs in the theatre of operation.
In a related development, a delegation from the Centre for Civilians
in Conflict (CIVIC) paid a working visit to the Headquarters, Theatre
Command Operation Lafiya Dole.
The delegation was led by the organization's Executive Director,
Frederico Borolo.
Describing the organization's role in conflict, Borolo said the main
objective of the Centre was to prevent and protect civilians from harm
in conflict situations, adding that the Centre was a bridge between
the military and civilians in conflict regions by working with the
government and military actors to minimize conflict and its
consequences on Nigerian population in the theatre of operation.
The Theatre commander Major General Rogers Nicholas assured the
delegation that troops' operations are guided by an operational code
of conduct, Rules of Engagement, and respect for Fundamental Human
Rights as well as International Humanitarian Laws.
He lauded the role of the Centre in protecting the civil populace, who
he said were often times the victims in conflict situations.
He recalled that over 3000 civilians had been rescued by troops of
Operation Lafiya Dole in the ongoing Operation Deep Punch 2.
"In Operation Lafiya Dole, we are duty bound to rescue and protect
civilians in the conduct of our operations", he stated.
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