The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting civil authorities and relevant government agencies in addressing the challenges facing refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.
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, who paid a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the COAS, there is a strong connection between insecurity and displacement, stressing that durable solutions to the refugee and IDP crisis are dependent on improved security, stability and effective civil–military cooperation.
“There is a clear nexus between security and displacement. Lasting solutions to the challenges faced by refugees and internally displaced persons can only be achieved through improved security, stability and strong collaboration between civil authorities and the military,” General Shaibu said.
He noted that the Nigerian Army remains fully aligned with national efforts to restore peace and create an enabling environment for humanitarian and development interventions to succeed.
The Army Chief explained that through its ongoing operations nationwide, the Nigerian Army continues to prioritise the protection of civilians and the creation of a secure environment that supports the safe return, resettlement and reintegration of displaced persons.
“Our operations across the country are designed to protect civilians and ensure a secure environment that allows displaced persons to return safely, resettle and reintegrate into their communities,” he stated.
General Shaibu further assured the Commission of the Army’s readiness to sustain its support for humanitarian initiatives aimed at restoring dignity, improving livelihoods and enhancing the overall well-being of affected populations.
In his remarks, the Federal Commissioner, Dr Tijani Aliyu Ahmed, commended the COAS for the Nigerian Army’s longstanding support to the Commission, particularly during past evacuation and repatriation exercises.
He recalled the critical role played by the Army in previous evacuation and repatriation operations involving Nigerians from Cameroon, noting that the military’s involvement contributed significantly to the success of those missions.
“The Nigerian Army has consistently supported our work, especially during evacuation and repatriation exercises. The professionalism and commitment of the Army were key to the success of those operations,” Ahmed said.
The Commissioner also appealed for sustained collaboration as the Commission prepares to undertake another similar mission, stressing that effective partnership with the military remains essential for operational success.
He added that such collaboration is crucial to ensuring that humanitarian interventions translate into improved livelihoods, restored dignity and enhanced well-being for refugees and internally displaced persons.
