IOM Deputy Director General Visits Defence Headquarters, Commends Nigerian Government

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, on Monday received the Deputy Director General of Operations, International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs. Ogechi Daniels, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by the Director Defence Information, DDI, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in Abuja said the high-level engagement focused on strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism across Nigeria.

Mrs. Daniels commended the Nigerian Government for its leadership in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, describing it as a model for rehabilitation and reintegration that has expanded beyond the North East into the North West and North Central regions. She further disclosed IOM’s readiness to deploy experts in Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) to new areas, including Zamfara State.

Highlighting the need for improved data in disaster risk reduction, Mrs. Daniels emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts with national stakeholders. She explained that IOM provides technical support in border management, early warning systems, and maintains field presence across member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. She also revealed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to launch Phase Four of its rehabilitation and community-based reintegration programme.

While appreciating the Federal Government for creating an enabling environment for IOM’s operations in Nigeria, the Deputy DG reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons (IDPs). She also stressed the need for joint research collaboration to ensure sustainable peace and reintegration strategies nationwide.

In his remarks, General Musa welcomed the IOM delegation and acknowledged the organisation’s longstanding partnership with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, particularly in the North East. He reiterated the military’s willingness to collaborate with IOM and other partners despite funding constraints, stating: “We support everybody that makes our work easier.”

The visit, according to the Defence Headquarters, reflects the shared commitment of IOM and the Nigerian Armed Forces to tackle insecurity, displacement, and migration challenges while promoting peace, stability, and development.