The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Nigerian Red Cross Society have strongly refuted allegations circulating on social media claiming that the Red Cross is providing support to armed groups in Northern Nigeria.
In a joint statement, both organisations described the claims as false and misleading, warning that such misinformation could undermine humanitarian efforts and deny vulnerable populations access to critical aid.
The statement emphasised that the allegations are “diametrically opposed” to the fundamental principles guiding the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, including neutrality, independence, and impartiality. According to the organisations, these principles strictly prohibit any form of support, financial, logistical, or otherwise, to parties involved in armed conflict.
“The claims are not only incorrect but dangerous,” the statement noted, adding that misinformation of this nature risks jeopardising life-saving interventions for thousands of people affected by conflict and other crises in the region.
The ICRC and NRCS reiterated that their primary mission is to assist the most vulnerable populations, particularly those impacted by armed conflict, through transparent and neutral humanitarian action. They clarified that while the ICRC engages in dialogue with all parties in a conflict, such engagement is strictly for humanitarian access and protection purposes, not support.
“To fulfill its mandate, the ICRC engages in humanitarian dialogue with all parties to a conflict where it can. The organisation never provides those parties with financial, logistical or other support,” the statement stressed.
The organisations also urged members of the public to verify information through credible and official channels, including their verified communication platforms, before sharing or acting on such content.
They further cautioned against the spread of unverified information online, noting that misinformation can have real-world consequences, particularly in conflict-affected areas where trust is critical to delivering aid.
The joint response comes amid increasing concerns over the role of misinformation in undermining humanitarian operations in Nigeria’s conflict-affected northern regions, where millions rely on aid for survival.
Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and continuing their work to provide assistance to those in need, regardless of political or security dynamics.
The joint statement was signed by spokespersons from both organisations: For the International Committee of the Red Cross: Aliyu Dawobe, Spokesperson, Abuja. For the Nigerian Red Cross Society: Chima Nwankwo, Communications Coordinator
