PHOTOS: Army chief visits Shehu of Borno, seeks support to end insurgency

Olufemi Oluyede, the chief of army staff (COAS), has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to ending the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno state.

Oluyede spoke in Maiduguri on Friday during a visit to Abubakar El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno.

The COAS praised the monarch for his support to the army in mobilising residents against insurgency in the state.

He emphasised the need for collective efforts towards addressing insurgency, noting that the army alone cannot combat insecurity.

The army chief assured that operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), which has played a pivotal role in the fight against insurgency, would be strengthened to secure lasting peace.

“Your highness, I am here to pay homage to you as our father and to thank you for the role you have played in supporting the military over the years,” Oluyede said.

“We cannot achieve peace in Borno without the support of our fathers and the good people of the state. All hands must be on deck to end this menace and restore economic activities and normalcy in the region.”

The Shehu of Borno commended the army for its relentless sacrifices in the fight against terrorism in the country.

The monarch pledged continued support of the traditional institutions in fostering unity and mobilising support for the military.

He noted that the insurgencies that occurred in the state were perpetrated by external influences disguised as settlers.

He called for unity, vigilance, and collective efforts to address the security challenges bedeviling the state.

“Borno’s history demonstrates the strength and resilience of its people in overcoming adversity,” he said.