DHQ, ICRC begin training to identify soldiers killed in combat

Nigeria's Defence Headquarters, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has initiated a specialized training program aimed at enhancing the identification, recovery, and dignified management of soldiers killed in combat. The week-long Battlefield Mortuary Affairs Programme, held in Kaduna, brings together participants from the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.

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This programme, running from July 27 to August 1, is a landmark initiative borne out of the collaboration between Defence Headquarters and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Air Commodore Chukwuma Ohanele, Deputy Director of the Defence Identification Centre, described the initiative as a landmark effort to address the growing challenges associated with battlefield deaths. He noted that the increasing tempo of military operations across the country has made such capabilities essential. The program, running from July 27 to August 1, is designed to equip personnel with the necessary knowledge and skills for identifying military personnel and ensuring the respectful management of the deceased.

Ohanele emphasized that managing the dead in conflict situations is both a technical responsibility and a moral and humanitarian obligation. He stated, "In the complex realities of modern conflict, the management of the dead is not only a technical responsibility but also a moral and humanitarian obligation." This program aims to strengthen Nigeria's capacity in this sensitive area, ensuring that the armed forces uphold high standards of professionalism, accountability, and respect for human dignity.

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The training will deal with issues and challenges of military personnel identification and dignified management of the dead.

Participants will engage in practical and theoretical sessions covering a range of critical procedures. These include search and recovery operations, awareness of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), establishing mortuary collection points, cursory examination of remains, respectful storage, transportation, and repatriation of human remains, as well as temporary burials and cemetery creation. The training will also expose participants to the humanitarian role of the ICRC and the legal frameworks governing battlefield mortuary affairs, including international humanitarian law and Nigerian military doctrine.

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With the high tempo of operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, battlefield deaths and their associated challenges have become inevitable.

Ohanele added that the program involves both indoor and outdoor exercises, along with assessment tests, to ensure that participants can effectively apply the principles learned in operational contexts. The collaboration underscores a commitment to honoring fallen soldiers and upholding international humanitarian standards in conflict management.

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In the complex realities of modern conflict, the management of the dead is not only a technical responsibility but also a moral and humanitarian obligation.