News Investigators/ The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has commended the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for its sustained humanitarian services, particularly in conflict-affected areas of North-East Nigeria.
Mr Musa gave the commendation while receiving a delegation of the ICRC at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
This is contained in a statement by Capt. Moses Yare, on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations on Friday in Abuja.
Mr Musa reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting human rights and adhering to international best practices in civil-military relations.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent insurgency in the North-East and North-West regions, calling on stakeholders to support ongoing efforts to combat terrorism.
He said “security is everybody’s responsibility, and all must unite against insurgency and terrorism.”
Earlier, the Head of ICRC in Nigeria, Doris El Doueihy, had expressed appreciation for the continued collaboration between the organisation and the Nigerian military, describing it as essential for delivering humanitarian assistance in conflict-affected areas.
She also commended the Federal Government for the recent launch of a training programme for military police in Zaria, noting that it would enhance professionalism and adherence to humanitarian standards.
Doueihy reaffirmed ICRC’s strong working relationship with the Nigerian Armed Forces, highlighting the expansion of its humanitarian operations across the North-East and North-West.
She noted increased ICRC presence in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.
The ICRC official also raised concerns over prolonged detention without family contact, urging authorities to ensure detainees are granted access to their families through Red Cross channels.
She acknowledged ongoing progress in detainee hearings and called for improved coordination with the Ministry of Justice to address overcrowding in detention facilities.
NAN