Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Wahidi Shaibu, paid a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Dr. Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El kanemi, at the Shehu’s palace in Maiduguri on Thursday to seek royal blessing and special prayers over his recent appointment by the president alongside other service chiefs
COAS urged the royal father to continue to support the military in the fight against the insurgents in the northeast region.
He also emphasized the important and critical role traditional rulers play in communities as leaders who are more closer to their subjects and serve as avenue of peace, reconciliation, mediation and development, while seeking the royal fathers prayers and cooperation in fight against Boko Haram insurgency.
He described the Shehu of Borno as a resilient and humanitarian traditional leader, deeply committed to his people and their welfare. He expressed appreciation for the Shehu’s unwavering support to the Nigerian Armed Forces in fulfilling their national responsibilities, both within and beyond the state.
The COAS also thanked the Shehu for his contributions to the peace restoration efforts in Borno and neighboring states, as well as neighboring countries like Chad and Cameroon, which share international borders with Borno State.
“I’m back home, sir, and on behalf of the Nigerian military, I thank you for your continuous support for our troops,.
“Traditional rulers play a crucial role in this fight, and we appreciate your efforts,” he said, pledging to “do everything necessary to boost frontline troops,” Shuaibu said
In his remarks, the Shehu of Borno, congratulated Maj. Gen. Shaibu on his recent appointment as Chief of Army Staff and commended the military’s ongoing sacrifices in the restoration of peace and stability in the state and region at large
He appreciated the leadership of the COAS when he was the Theater Commander JTF NE OPHK and also during the September 10, 2024, flood disaster in Maiduguri that ravaged the state capital, saying “the army’s swift humanitarian response was impressive and appreciative”
The traditional rulers also assured the COAS of his continued support and prayers to the Nigerian Army, while expressing hope that peace would soon fully return to the state and North East.
