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.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum had on Saturday suspended the French iNGO from activities in the state following discovery that it was using a hotel in Maiduguri for “training some persons on shooting.”
But ACTED, in a statement on Sunday, said some of its staff have found themselves in “very dangerous situations where their safety and security were severely compromised”.
“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,” the statement said.
“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 training 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 says 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.”
