Theatre Commander Commends Head Of UN OCHA For Exemplary Service As He Bids Farewell

Theatre Commander Commends Head Of UN OCHA For Exemplary Service As He Bids Farewell

The Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has commended the outgoing Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) in Nigeria, Mr Trond Jensen, for his outstanding commitment and collaboration during his tenure.

Major General. Abubakar gave the commendation on Thursday, 4 December 2025, when Mr. Jensen paid a farewell visit to Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK in Maiduguri.

In his remarks, the Theatre Commander described Mr. Jensen as a dependable ally in the shared mandate to “facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the North East region to enable socio-economic activities to thrive.” He noted that Mr. Jensen’s departure would be deeply felt by the leadership of OPHK, given the strong working relationship and mutual trust established over the years.

The Theatre Commander, highlighted the tremendous progress achieved through OPHK’s collaboration with UN OCHA, particularly in non-kinetic operations that have positively impacted vulnerable populations across the region. He expressed concern over the planned drawdown of UN OCHA activities in Nigeria by 2028, warning that it could adversely affect malnutrition responses, vaccination campaigns, and other critical humanitarian services. He therefore stressed the need for proactive measures to bridge emerging gaps. Maj.-Gen. Abubakar added that the combined efforts of OPHK and Agro Rangers, would continue to frustrate the activities of the terrorists, especially during the harvest season.

General Abubakar reaffirmed OPHK’s commitment to providing UN OCHA with the necessary support and enabling environment for effective operations. He further assured Mr. Jensen that the Command would extend the same level of cooperation to his successor.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr. Jensen expressed appreciation to the Theatre Commander for the strong collaboration and support extended to UN OCHA while operating in a high-risk environment. He noted that the organization is undergoing a transition phase that will result in reduced operations by 2028—not due to improved conditions, but because of declining international funding. He stressed the need for Nigeria to harness local resources to mitigate the anticipated gaps and called for continued security support for critical humanitarian installations and personnel.

Mr Jensen was accompanied by the Humanitarian Affairs Officer and Civil-Military Coordinator, OCHA Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwadunsun Ojo.

Present at the event were the Deputy Theatre Commander, Air Vice Marshal Essen Efanga, Component Commanders, and Principal Staff Officers of Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK.

Activities to mark the visit included the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, and group photographs.