By Miriam Humbe
The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has reaffirmed the Theatre Command’s commitment to providing a secure and enabling environment for humanitarian operations, civilian protection and the restoration of livelihoods across the North East.
Captain Mohammed Goni, the Acting Military Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI disclosed this in a statement.
He gave the assurance on Thursday, 8 October 2026, when he received the Deputy Head of Office, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Mrs Patricia Mucheche, and her delegation at Headquarters OPHK, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Earlier, Mrs Mucheche congratulated Major General Ajose on his assumption of office as the 16th Theatre Commander and commended OPHK for its sustained cooperation with the humanitarian community, particularly in facilitating access and the safe and timely delivery of assistance to vulnerable populations.
She, however, highlighted challenges affecting humanitarian activities, including threats from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), security concerns along Main Supply Routes (MSRs) and declining donor funding.
Consequently, she called for sustained security measures along critical routes and farming areas, as well as improved coordination and timely information sharing to enhance the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and essential supplies.
In response, Major General Ajose assured the delegation that OPHK would continue to take appropriate measures within its mandate to safeguard communities and support legitimate humanitarian activities, emphasising that civilian protection remains central to ongoing operations.
The Theatre Commander further reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to strengthening coordination with UN OCHA through regular engagements, appropriate information sharing and effective utilisation of the UN OCHA Desk Office at Headquarters OPHK to facilitate timely communication and address emerging humanitarian concerns.
He also noted that the Theatre Command would sustain efforts to enable affected communities to safely access their farmlands, rebuild livelihoods and gradually return to normal life.
Major General Ajose reiterated OPHK’s determination to consolidate operational gains, deny terrorists freedom of action and sustain a secure environment conducive to humanitarian assistance and socio-economic activities across the Theatre.
The engagement further underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between OPHK and UN OCHA in addressing humanitarian challenges and protecting vulnerable populations in the North East.
