IOM Deputy Chief Visits Defence Headquarters, Hails Nigeria’s Peace and Reintegration Efforts

By Onwe Wisdom| Pan Afric Reporters| Abuja, Nigeria

The Deputy Director General of Operations at the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mrs. Ogechi Daniels, has commended the Nigerian Government for its leadership in peacebuilding, migration management, and reintegration programmes.

Mrs. Ogechi gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, at Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

At  the high-level engagement, she praised the government’s implementation of 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 further announced IOM’s readiness to deploy experts in Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Reconciliation (DDRR) to support new areas such as Zamfara State.

Highlighting IOM’s broader interventions, Mrs. Daniels stressed the importance of reliable data for disaster risk reduction, technical support in border management, and the enhancement of early warning systems. She revealed that IOM had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Development Office to launch Phase 4 of rehabilitation and community-based reintegration initiatives.

Reaffirming the organization’s commitment, she said: “IOM remains dedicated to supporting safe returns and local integration of internally displaced persons, with research collaboration being critical to sustaining peace and reintegration efforts across Nigeria.”

The CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa welcomed IOM’s support and acknowledged its long-standing partnership, particularly in the North East.

The CDS according to a press release e-signed by the Director, Defence Information, TUKUR GUSAU, Brigadier General further assured the military’s commitment to working with IOM and other stakeholders to advance peace and stability despite the challenges of limited resources, “We support everybody that makes our work easier,” the CDS stated.

The visit, held on 18 August 2025, underscores the shared resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and IOM to deepen collaboration in addressing insecurity, forced displacement, and migration challenges while promoting sustainable peace and development.