International Organisation for Migration, IOM, has commended Nigeria for implementing the “Operation Safe Corridor,” describing it as a model for rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants.
Deputy Director-General, Operations, Mrs Ogechi Daniels, made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, in Abuja, Tuesday.
According to her, the programme, initially designed for the North East, had expanded to the North West and North Central.
She said IOM is prepared to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration and Reconciliation, DDRR, in new areas such as Zamfara.
The IOM official also stressed the importance of strengthening data for disaster risk reduction, improving border management, as well as sustaining early warning systems.
She disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the UK Development Office to launch phase four of the rehabilitation and community-based reintegration programmes.
Daniels reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to support the safe return and local integration of internally displaced persons, with focus on development and joint research to ensure sustainability.
Responding, the CDS acknowledged the organisation’s long-standing partnership, especially in the North East.
He assured of the armed forces’ readiness to collaborate with IOM and other stakeholders, irrespective of limited funding.
“We support everybody that makes our work easier,” the CDS said. NAN
