The Nigerian Army has announced a reversal of the decision to suspend the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, from the North-East.
In a statement by the spokesman for the theatre command, Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday, the Nigerian Army said there is credible information that some international humanitarian agencies are indulging in “unwholesome practices” that demoralise that the Nigerian troops.
“The Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has observed with dismay that some of the activities of international humanitarian agencies and Non-governmental organisations’ operating in the North East have left so much to be desired.
READ ALSO: Lake Chad expert visits Theatre Commander, commends Nigerian troops’ gallantry
“There is credible information that some of them are indulging in unwholesome practices that could further jeopardise the fight against terrorism and insurgency, as they train and deploy spies who support the insurgents and their sympathisers.”
But in another statement on Friday evening, Onyema Nwachukwu, the deputy director, Army Public Relations, said that the the military reverses the order, following the intervention by stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians.
“Sequel to intervention by well meaning and concerned Nigerians over the recent suspension of UNICEF operations in the North East theatre of operations, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE convened and held an emergency meeting with representatives of UNICEF this evening.
“During the meeting, the Theatre Command admonished the representatives of the organization to desist from activities inimical to Nigeria’s national security and capable of undermining ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.
“The Command also urged UNICEF representatives to ensure they share information with relevant authorities whenever induction or training of new staff is being conducted in the theatre.
“Consequently, after extensive deliberations on the need to seek modalities to work harmoniously with the security agencies in the theatre of operation, the Theatre Command, henceforth, lifted the three months suspension earlier imposed on UNICEF activities in North Eastern Nigeria”.
NAN
