The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) will provide every assistance required of it by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) while carrying out its activities in areas where crises exist in Nigeria, especially the North East region.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin made this known when the Head of Mission of the ICRC, Eloi Fillion led a delegation of the Nigerian Red Cross Society on a courtesy visit to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The CDS, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Saidu said the contributions of the Red Cross are very noble and the DHQ is aware of its activities in the North East Region. He also informed the delegation that Operation Commanders are always aware of the need to observe international humanitarian laws. “Those who breach them are always penalized,” he added.
General Olonisakin urged the delegation to make known any challenges they encounter in terms of security during their activities in areas of Operation to the DHQ assuring that appropriate actions will be taken to provide necessary help.
Speaking earlier, Fillion acquainted the CDS with details of its activities in Nigeria while asking for the Military’s assistance for the security of its staff and activities. He also asked for continuous ‘confidential’ dialogue with military authorities through regular contacts, presentations and discussions. The ICRC also requested access to detained Boko Haram suspects in order to provide assistance in the de-radicalisation process.
