…As New Security Adviser says region remains ‘engine room’ of Nigeria’s stability
By Joy Odor Defence & Policy Desk
The United Nations has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigerian military to enhance security coordination, humanitarian access, and staff safety across the insurgency-ravaged North-East region.
This call came as the UN Chief Security Adviser for Nigeria, Mr. Senyo Kufe, paid a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) North-East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in Maiduguri as part of his nationwide operational assessment and familiarisation tour.
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Kufe who assumed duty in August 2025 described the North-East as “the engine room of Nigeria’s security architecture”, stressing its centrality to both national stability and humanitarian response efforts.
“Without the military, UN staff cannot safely operate in the North-East. Our work here depends on the professionalism and support of the Nigerian Armed Forces,” Kufe stated.
He commended the Nigerian military’s resilience, professionalism, and sustained support to the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), particularly in facilitating humanitarian access and maintaining a safe operating environment for UN personnel.
The visit, according to Kufe, was aimed at reinforcing the partnership between UNDSS and the Theatre Command, while reviewing joint mechanisms for information sharing, emergency preparedness, and risk management.
He noted that his direct engagement with frontline commands was crucial to obtaining firsthand insights into field realities and enhancing coordination with security forces.
Mr. Udit Mehta, UNDSS Area Security Adviser and Field Coordination Officer for the North-East, also praised the leadership of Theatre Commander Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, describing the collaboration between UNDSS and OPHK as “a model for civil–military coordination in complex operational environments.”
“The goal is to ensure that UN staff and humanitarian partners can safely deliver aid to vulnerable populations while supporting military and civilian stabilization efforts,” Mehta said.
In his response, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, Theatre Commander of OPHK, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to supporting the UN’s humanitarian mandate and strengthening coordination mechanisms across the Lake Chad Basin corridor.
“The military remains fully committed to ensuring that humanitarian and development partners can operate safely in our area of responsibility,” he stated.
“Strong partnership and information sharing are vital for sustaining peace and rebuilding communities.”
He briefed the visiting team on ongoing operations and rescue missions, emphasizing that effective civil–military cooperation is critical to achieving durable peace in the North-East.
Discussions during the meeting focused on emergency response protocols, intelligence coordination, joint training, and contingency planning to bolster operational safety for both military and humanitarian actors.
Both parties agreed to strengthen joint simulation exercises and risk management systems aimed at improving readiness during security or disaster incidents.
The meeting attended by senior OPHK commanders and UNDSS officials including Security Analyst Mr. Christian Munteanu and Field Security Associate Major Nuhu Mantana (Rtd) ended with the exchange of souvenirs, the signing of the visitors’ register, and a group photograph symbolizing renewed cooperation.
Observers say the visit signals the UN’s intention to deepen its security diplomacy with Nigeria at a time when regional threats are evolving and humanitarian access remains essential to post-insurgency recovery.
Bottom Line
The UN’s latest engagement in Maiduguri underscores a growing consensus among security and humanitarian stakeholders, Nigeria’s path to lasting stability will depend on tighter coordination between the military, international partners, and local actors
