The Federal Government has disclosed that armed groups had harassed, arrested, injured, kidnapped and killed 79 aid workers in the last four years.
Federal Commissioner of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs),
Aliyu Ahmed stated this on Monday, August 19, 2024 at a press briefing to mark this year’s International Humanitarian Day in Abuja.
Ahmed explained that, “In Nigeria, humanitarian workers have frequently found themselves in the crossfire of non-state armed groups. Between 2020 and 2024, there have been 49 reported incidents affecting 79 humanitarian workers.
“These include the tragic killing of an aid worker from Médecins du Monde, the wounding of a UN pilot, and the attack on the United Nations Aid Facility in Borno State, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Internally Displaced Persons and forced aid workers to flee for safety”.
He informed that in 2024 alone, no fewer than 26 humanitarian workers in Nigeria were kidnapped, ambushed, or assaulted while carrying out their duties.
“These attacks are not just crimes against individuals; they are blatant violations of international humanitarian law.
“The Geneva Conventions, to which all African nations are signatories, clearly stipulate that the intentional targeting of humanitarian workers is a war crime.
“Such acts violate the core principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence that guide humanitarian action”, he said.
Ahmed reiterated the government’s commitment to do everything possible to protect aid workers. He further advocated strict enforcement of international humanitarian law in Nigeria.
“We must advocate for the strict enforcement of international humanitarian law in Nigeria. As a nation, Nigeria has been deeply affected by conflicts that have displaced millions and created an urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
“Our country is home to all of us and organizations who work tirelessly to bring relief to those affected by crises.
“Yet, these heroes often face life-threatening risks in carrying out their duties. Today, I call upon all stakeholders to intensify our efforts to protect humanitarian workers and civilians in conflict zones.
“We must also ensure that our legal frameworks are robust enough to prosecute those who commit such violations and end the cycle of impunity as the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians is a moral imperative.
“To the humanitarian workers present here today, and to those serving in the most challenging environments around the world, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to helping others inspire us all,” he said.
World Humanitarian Day is commemorated on August 19 every year to recognise humanitarian personnel and those who have died working for humanitarian causes.
