The implementation plan for the handover protocol for Children Encountered in the course of Armed Conflict in Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin Region has been endorsed by Nigeria and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).
This was the outcome of a review and endorsement meeting co-convene by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, with the UNICEF, to endorse the Handover Protocol Implementation Plan, at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, Nigeria's Capital.
The National Security Adviser, represented by the Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (Rtd) in a remark, stated that the agreement to develop a Handover Protocol of Children Encountered during conflict was signed between the government of Nigeria, United Nations and UNICEF on 30th Sep 2022.
He pointed out that under the agreement, the signatories are to develop an operation plan to guide the implementation Protocol which will enable quick identification and transfer of the children allegedly associated with armed group, to the ministry of women affairs within the period of 7 days.
The Chief of Army Staff, represented by the Chief of Civil-military Affairs, Major General Nosakhare Ugbo stated that Nigeria is now among the few countries across the world with significant achievement of having a Handover Protocol in place, to enhance the protection of children affected by armed conflict, especially those children allegedly associated with armed groups.
He stressed that Handover Protocol offers children a safe avenue to leave armed groups and to receive the necessary support. He assure the UNICEF of the Nigerian Army's commitment to the protocol as well as the code of conduct and rules of engagement, which are consistent with the provisions of relevant international laws.
The highlight of the event was the signing of the Handover Protocol Implementation by the Nigerian Army, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), representative of the National Security Adviser, Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Federal ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Present at the event were the Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, UNICEF Representative, Mrs Cristian Munduate, Charge d Affairs and Interim of the United States, Mr David Greene, Ambassador of Norway, Mr Svein Baera, UNICEF Chief Child Protection, Mr Ibrahim Sasay and representatives from the Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri.
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