The International Non-Governmental Organization, iNGO, ACTED, which activities were suspended by Borno state government on Friday, has issued a statement clarifying its position on the issue of shooting training.
ASHENEWS recalls that officials of ACTED were conducting shooting training in a hotel located in Maiduguri, which action led to the suspension, by Borno state government, of the activities of the organization in the state.
However, ACTED in a press statement, titled: “Clarification on the humanitarian workshop on safety on the workplace”, issued on Saturday, said it had maintained high level of cooperation with the Nigerian authorities as well as highest level of transparency towards the authorities and the people it serves.
According to ACTED, it was trying to provide training and simulation exercises for its staff in an attempt to get them prepared and ready for cases such as terrorists attack, in view of the unpredictable environment in the Northeast.
Read the statement below:
“As an International Non-Governmental organization (NGO), ACTED is known and respected globally for its principled actions and for operating in strict compliance with local government rules and regulations in all 38 countries where we are present. ACTED complies with the Nigerian law and regulations, requirements of the Borno state government, and all other requirements of the government of Nigeria. ACTED will strive to maintain the highest level of transparency, trust and cooperation with the Nigerian authorities at all levels and remains committed to providing critical humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable populations in Borno state.
“In 2020, ACTED supported 110,000 people in Borno with food and livelihoods assistance, and constructed more than 3,000 shelters. Through the distribution of Shelter and Non-Food items and provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services, ACTED directly supported 78,000 internally displaced persons in Borno state.
“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: in May 2020, an ACTED contractor was abducted between Maiduguri-Monguno 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.
“ACTED reiterates its commitment to maintain a high level of cooperation with the Nigerian Authorities as well as the highest levels of transparency towards the authorities and the people we serve.
“ACTED also present its compliments to the governor of Borno, His Excellency Prof. Babagana Zulum. His leadership and guidance to the humanitarian community and particularly to ACTED, in providing support for the successful implementation of humanitarian activities in the North-East over the past years, are highly appreciated.
“ACTED relies on the support of the Nigerian Government and all its departments at both Federal and State levels, to facilitate the humanitarian assistance we are providing to the people in Nigeria in line with humanitarian principles and Government priorities, ” the statement concludes,” the statement reads.
