The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya says traditional leaders are critical to the success of the ongoing operation to end Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast.
General Yahaya said this on Friday, during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-kanemi, CFR and Members of Borno Emirate in his palace Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a statement by the Deputy Director Public Relations, 7 Division Nigerian Army/Joint Task Force,
Operation HADIN KAI, Colonel Ado Isa, General Faruk said; ”he was pleased to be at the Shehu’s palace with Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters to pay respects and homage to the revered traditional ruler.”
He said he arrived the state earlier in the day on operational visit to the Theatre and felt it was an honour to visit the Shehu as father, leader not only in Borno but also in the country, to receive royal blessing for the task ahead of him.
General Yahaya appreciated the support of the royal father and the entire Emirate even while he was in the State as the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI before his appointment as the 22nd Chief of the Army Staff.
He said; noted the support of the royal father and the Emirate has led to some of the successes recorded in the operations against the terrorists. He solicited for more support.
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Garbai El-kanemi, commended the military for the gradual return of peace to the State and Northeast.
He said; ”17 of the 27 local government areas previously occupied by Boko Haram Terrorists some years ago have been recaptured and civil authority restored.”
He asked the COAS not to be deterred and pledged the support of the Emirate to the Army leadership and Military generally.
The COAS was accompanied to the palace by the Chief of Operations (Army) Major General Ibrahim Yusuf, other Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Christopher Musa, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Abdulwahab Eyitayo and other Senior officers.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
