The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya, has said the traditional rulers are critical to the success of the ongoing operation to end Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in the North East.

Yahaya made the revelation during a visit to the Shehu of Borno, HRH Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi in his palace in Maiduguri, the Borno State on Friday.

According to a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday, Yahaya was quoted to have sought the support of traditional rulers to end the ongoing war against terrorism in the North East.

The statement read, “The Chief of Army Staff, Major General Faruk Yahaya, has said the traditional leaders were critical to the success of the ongoing operation to end Boko Haram insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast.

“General Yahaya 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 a father, a leader not only in Borno but also in the country, to receive a 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 his appointment as the 22nd Chief of the Army Staff.

“He 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.

“The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-kanemi, CFR, commended the military for the gradual return of peace to the State and North East.

“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.”