April 17, 2026 01:35 am (IST)
Follow us:
Nigeria: UN urges national actors to ensure release of schoolgirls
New York, Jun 10 (IBNS): A United Nations envoy on Monday renewed the world body's commitment to supporting ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Government to secure the safe release of the abducted schoolgirls from Chibok, and called for concerted efforts to tackle the insurgency in the north-east of the country.
The comments come as Said Djinnit, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for West Africa, concluded his second visit to the country since the 14 April abduction of the more than 200 girls from their school in Chibok in Borno state by Boko Haram militants.
“In the face of the threat of terrorism and insecurity posed by the activities of Boko Haram, the Special Representative urged all national stakeholders to close ranks and work together to overcome this daunting national challenge,” said a news release issued by the UN Office for West Africa (UNOWA).
In the wake of the abduction, Djinnit was tapped by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to serve as his High-Level Representative to Nigeria. During the just concluded visit, he renewed the UN’s commitment to supporting Government’s ongoing efforts to secure the quick and safe release of all the abducted girls with the assistance of its partners.
He also continued his consultations on the abduction and related issues with government officials, prominent Nigerian personalities, civil society organizations, as well as regional and international partners.
In addition, Djinnit presided over the finalizing, with the UN Country Team in Nigeria, of a UN Integrated Support Package (ISP) to complement the Government’s efforts towards securing the safe release of the schoolgirls and addressing the related challenges.
The Package includes immediate support to the affected families, the population and the girls after their release, in particular with psycho-social counselling and helping them reintegrate with their families and communities.
It also includes response to emergency needs both in food and non-food items, early recovery support by promoting alternative livelihood, and activities geared towards addressing the long-term structural challenges through capacity building.
(Rally for the Nigerian schoolgirls. UN Photo)
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
UK doctor, suspended for asking Muslim patient to remove veil, is struck off the medical register
Thu, Apr 16 2026
Saudi Arabia is 'pressing' US to ease Iran blockade amid fears of wider oil disruption
Tue, Apr 14 2026
Iran Embassy in Australia drops stunning video of Tehran’s Iran Mall amid Middle East crisis
Tue, Apr 14 2026
Kim Jong Un watches as North Korea fires cruise, anti-ship missiles from naval destroyer
Tue, Apr 14 2026
Deal blows up: Netanyahu-Vance call triggers US-Iran blame war
Mon, Apr 13 2026