NIGERIA: Theatre Commander Hails Outgoing UN OCHA Chief, Warns of 2028 Humanitarian Gap 

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Theatre Commander of Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, on Thursday paid glowing tribute to the outgoing Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Mr Trond Jensen, describing him as a dependable partner in the quest to restore normalcy in the insurgency-ravaged region.

During a farewell visit to Headquarters Theatre Command in Maiduguri, Major General Abubakar said Mr Jensen’s departure would be deeply felt, praising the strong mutual trust and seamless collaboration that characterised their working relationship. He highlighted the significant progress achieved through non-kinetic operations that have brought relief to vulnerable populations across Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

The Theatre Commander, however, expressed serious concern over UN OCHA’s planned drawdown of activities in Nigeria by 2028, warning that the move, driven by declining international funding rather than improved conditions on ground, could severely disrupt malnutrition responses, vaccination campaigns and other life-saving humanitarian services. He urged proactive measures to bridge the emerging gaps and assured continued military support for humanitarian installations and personnel.

In his response, Mr Jensen thanked Major General Abubakar for the robust cooperation and security cover that enabled UN OCHA to operate effectively in a high-risk environment. Accompanied by Humanitarian Affairs Officer and Civil-Military Coordinator Mr Emmanuel Oluwadunsun Ojo, he reiterated the need for Nigeria to mobilise local resources to cushion the impact of the impending reduction in international support.

The visit featured the signing of the visitors’ book, exchange of souvenirs and group photographs. Present were Deputy Theatre Commander Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, Component Commanders and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK.

Major General Abubakar pledged that the same level of partnership extended to Mr Jensen would be accorded his successor as Operation HADIN KAI continues its dual kinetic and non-kinetic efforts to end the insurgency and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons.