The Nigerian Army says it has lifted the suspension placed on the activities of UNICEF in the north-east.
The decision followed an emergency meeting brokered by “well-meaning Nigerians” who intervened to resolve issues between UNICEF and the Army.
A statement by Deputy Director Public Relations of the Army, Onyema Nwachukwu, late Friday the parties agreed to work harmoniously after extensive deliberations.
“Sequel to intervention by well-meaning and concerned Nigerians over the recent suspension of UNICEF operations in the North East theatre of operations, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE convened and held an emergency meeting with representatives of UNICEF this evening,” the statement read.
“During the meeting, the Theatre Command admonished the representatives of the organization to desist from activities inimical to Nigeria’s national security and capable of undermining ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“The Command also urged UNICEF representatives to ensure they share information with relevant authorities whenever induction or training of new staff is being conducted in the theatre.
“Consequently, after extensive deliberations on the need to seek modalities to work harmoniously with the security agencies in the theatre of operation, the Theatre Command has henceforth lifted the three months suspension earlier imposed on UNICEF activities in North Eastern Nigeria.”
Earlier, the army had accused UNICEF of sabotaging the fight against insurgency.
The military had come under severe criticism for halting activities of the global body.
