The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, received the Deputy Director General Operations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs. Ogechi Daniels, on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The visit provided an avenue to deepen discussions on strengthening cooperation in peacebuilding, migration management, and countering violent extremism across Nigeria.
A statement by the Director Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, disclosed that, Mrs. Daniels commended the Nigerian Government for its leadership role in implementing Operation Safe Corridor, describing it as a model for rehabilitation and reintegration that has now expanded beyond the North East to the North West and North Central regions.
She also affirmed IOM’s readiness to deploy experts on Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) in new areas such as Zamfara State.
The IOM Deputy DG further stressed the importance of improving data for disaster risk reduction and working in a coordinated manner with national stakeholders.
She explained that IOM provides technical support in border management and early warning systems while maintaining field presence in all member states of the Lake Chad Basin Commission. She also disclosed that IOM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to commence Phase 4 of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration.
While appreciating the Federal Government for creating the space for IOM to operate in Nigeria, Mrs. Daniels reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons, with a focus on development.
She added that joint research collaboration will be critical in ensuring the sustainability of peace and reintegration approaches across Nigeria.
Responding, the CDS, General Musa, warmly welcomed the IOM Deputy DG to Defence Headquarters and acknowledged the organisation’s long-standing partnership, particularly in the North East.
He reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with IOM and other stakeholders in advancing peace and stability despite the challenges of limited funding. “We support everybody that makes our work easier,” General Musa stated.
The visit underscored the shared commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to deepen collaboration in addressing insecurity, displacement, and migration challenges while promoting sustainable peace and development.
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