The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has affirmed that the support of the traditional institution is a critical element to the success of Nigerian Army Operations.
The COAS made the assertion when he paid homage to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji Dr Shehu Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi at his palace in Maiduguri on Friday 6 December 2024.
Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in a press statement on Friday said the COAS informed the royal father that he is in Borno to interact with the troops and spur them to improve operational efficiency in the ongoing operations against terrorism and insurgency.
Lt Gen Oluyede appreciated the Shehu for his support to the Nigerian Army over the years and urged for its sustenance to enable the troops to restore normalcy in the state for socio economic development.
Speaking, the Shehu of Borno reminisced on how the State has remained peaceful over the long period of its existence, noting that the people of Borno have co-existed peacefully with people of diverse backgrounds over time.
He observed with deep regret how the advent of Boko Haram distorted their peaceful lives. The traditional ruler informed the COAS that his people have cooperated with the security agents in the past and gave the assurance of his continued support in order to completely eradicate terrorism and restore peace and stability to the state.
