The Nigerian Army and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have reaffirmed their strategic partnership aimed at enhancing national security, protecting civilians and promoting compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in military operations.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the Army remains committed to upholding human rights, strengthening civil-military relations and ensuring strict adherence to international humanitarian principles, describing them as critical to achieving lasting security and operational success.
The COAS spoke on Wednesday at the Army Headquarters in Abuja while receiving the Head of Delegation of the ICRC in Nigeria, Miss Doris El Doueihy, during a courtesy visit.
Shaibu described the ICRC as a trusted strategic partner, noting that its longstanding collaboration with the Nigerian Army has contributed significantly to humanitarian operations, operational professionalism and stability in conflict-affected communities.
He stressed that protecting civilians and respecting humanitarian principles not only improve the effectiveness of military operations but also strengthen public confidence in the Armed Forces.
According to the Army Chief, the Nigerian Army has fully integrated International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and standard rules of engagement into its training programmes at all levels.
He added that the Army is implementing its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, improving detention management, facilitating humanitarian access and adopting global best practices to safeguard civilian lives while achieving operational objectives.
In her remarks, the ICRC Head of Delegation commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, transparency and sustained cooperation, which she said have enhanced the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and strengthened the protection of vulnerable communities.
El Doueihy also acknowledged the Army’s progress in detention management and its commitment to upholding internationally recognised humanitarian standards, expressing the ICRC’s readiness to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian military in advancing humanitarian protection across the country.
