ACTED, an international non-governmental organization
(iNGO), says it organised shooting training for its staff in Borno state to
prepare them for hazards in the line of duty.
In a statement on Sunday, the French organisation said some
of its staff have found themselves in “very dangerous situations where their
safety and security were severely compromised”.
It was responding to the decision of Babagana Zulum, Borno
governor, to suspend their operations in the state after it was found to be
organising the shooting training in Maiduguri.
The police began an investigation into the incident while
the hotel where the training was being held was sealed.
In the statement shared with newsmen, ACTED said it
complies with relevant laws in Borno and in Nigerian in carrying out its
humanitarian works in the north-east.
“Over the past year, while providing critical humanitarian
assistance to the people in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria, our staff
and partners have found themselves in very dangerous situations where their
safety and security were severely compromised,” it said.
“In May 2020, an ACTED contractor was abducted between
MaiduguriMonguno road, and tragically killed while in service; in March 2021,
ACTED staff faced imminent danger during an attack while providing humanitarian
assistance in Dikwa; in April, the ACTED office and warehouse in Damasak were
attacked by armed groups, and large stocks of humanitarian supplies meant for
the people in need were destroyed.
“Given this fragile context and in compliance with
international best practices, ACTED must exercise its duty of care for staff,
and make every effort to ensure the safety and security of its staff.
“This includes regularly organizing trainings and simulation
exercises, such as the one held on June 26, in order for them to be prepared to
cope with unexpected security incidents.
“These simulation exercises are standard procedures for many
NGOs, both in Nigeria and globally and in no way, neither during those
exercises nor during the delivery of assistance, does ACTED carry weapons, in
line with international standards and its dedication to uphold principled
humanitarian action.”
The organisation added that it remains committed to
cooperating with the Nigerian authorities as well as ensuring “the highest
levels of transparency towards the authorities and the people we serve.”
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