COAS Orders Reinforced Security on Borno Aid Routes as Military Moves to Protect Humanitarian Operations

The Nigerian Army has announced fresh security measures in Borno State after the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, directed military commanders to strengthen protection along key humanitarian corridors facing continued terrorist threats.

The directive comes as humanitarian agencies continue to deliver life-saving assistance to millions of residents affected by years of insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, where insecurity remains a major challenge despite ongoing military operations.

Army Prioritises Security Along Critical Aid Corridor

Lt. Gen. Shaibu issued the directive during a meeting with Danielle Parry, Head of Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement released on Friday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army Chief instructed commanders to reinforce security along the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala route, identifying it as one of the areas where remnants of terrorist groups continue to pose risks to humanitarian missions.

The military leadership also ordered stronger force protection measures, improved convoy escort operations, and closer collaboration between security personnel and humanitarian organisations to ensure the uninterrupted movement of relief materials and aid workers.

Military Reaffirms Support for Humanitarian Activities

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to safeguarding humanitarian operations across Borno State, particularly as authorities continue efforts to decongest internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and facilitate the safe return of displaced communities to their hometowns.

Military officials noted that providing secure access for humanitarian workers remains essential to maintaining food supplies, medical assistance, shelter support and other critical services for vulnerable populations affected by years of conflict.

The Army Chief also encouraged humanitarian organisations to improve logistical planning by expanding local warehousing capacity and implementing broader resource optimisation strategies under the humanitarian reset initiative, especially as international humanitarian funding continues to decline.

UN OCHA Highlights Ongoing Humanitarian Challenges

During the engagement, Danielle Parry acknowledged the Nigerian Army’s continued support for humanitarian operations across the North-East.

She revealed that nearly six million people still rely on humanitarian assistance in the region despite shrinking donor funding, underscoring the scale of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Parry identified several local government areas—including Gwoza, Bama, Damboa, Dikwa and Monguno—as locations where insecurity continues to restrict humanitarian access.

She appealed for sustained military assistance through:

• Continued clearance of improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
• Increased patrols along strategic humanitarian routes
• Enhanced security escorts for aid convoys
• Ongoing collaboration between security agencies and humanitarian partners

Why the Security Directive Matters

The latest directive reflects the continuing balance between military operations and humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’s North-East.

Although security conditions have improved in parts of Borno State over recent years, attacks by insurgent remnants and the threat of roadside explosives continue to disrupt aid delivery and limit access to vulnerable communities.

Securing major supply routes such as the Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala corridor is considered critical for ensuring that humanitarian organisations can safely deliver food, healthcare, clean water and emergency relief to displaced residents while supporting government-led resettlement programmes.

Timeline of Recent Developments

• Friday: The Nigerian Army disclosed details of the meeting between the Chief of Army Staff and UN OCHA.
• During the meeting: Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu ordered reinforced security along vulnerable humanitarian corridors.
• UN OCHA response: The agency requested continued military assistance to improve humanitarian access in several conflict-affected areas.
• Current focus: Strengthening security while supporting ongoing IDP camp decongestion and community resettlement efforts.

What to Watch Next

Observers will closely monitor whether the enhanced security measures improve humanitarian access along major supply routes and reduce disruptions caused by terrorist activity.

Attention will also remain on how government agencies, humanitarian organisations and security forces coordinate their efforts amid declining international humanitarian funding and continued resettlement initiatives across Borno State.