Gen Yahaya pledges to work with the traditional institution to end Boko Haram

Gen Yahaya pledges to work with the traditional institution to end Boko Haram

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya has pledged to work with the traditional institution to end the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast region.

 This was contained in a press statement signed and made available to Newsmen in Maiduguri by the Deputy Director Public Relations 7 Division Nigerian Army/Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai Colonel Ado Isa on Saturday.

The statement said COAS stated this during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno,  Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-kanemi, on Friday 25th June 2021 in his palace Maiduguri.

General Yahaya said the traditional leaders were critical to the success of the ongoing operation to end Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast.

The statement said the Chief of Army Staff was in Maiduguri for an operational visit to the Theatre and felt it was an honour to visit the Shehu as a father, leader not only in Borno but also in the country, to receive the royal blessing for the task ahead of him.

He 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 he was appointed the 22nd Chief of the Army Staff.

General Yahaya 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 more support.

While speaking  Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar 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.

“But now 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.