Shehu of Borno pledges continuous support for military as Army Chief vows decisive push against terrorism
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shuaibu, on Wednesday reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to intensify operations against terrorists in the North-East, assuring that troops will sustain offensive actions until insurgents are denied every form of support or sanctuary.
Shuaibu gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Kanemi, at his palace in Maiduguri.
He said his first official engagement after assuming office was to visit the North-East theatre of operations to assess ongoing counter-insurgency efforts and interact with frontline troops.
“Sir, your son has come home,” the COAS told the monarch.
“On assuming command of the Nigerian Army, coming to the North-East was my first priority. I came to assess operational commitments and address challenges so that the troops are better positioned to stem the tide of insecurity.”
Shuaibu commended the Shehu and the people of Borno for their longstanding support to troops stationed in the state, emphasising that intelligence from communities remained essential to sustaining gains against insurgents.
“The troops are committed, they are well led by the Theatre Commander, and they will do everything possible to ensure lasting security in the North-East,” he said.
“Your prayers and support are key. The terrorists will not stop until they realise they no longer have any support from anywhere. With your cooperation and our kinetic operations, we will reduce this to the barest minimum.”
The COAS said most of his military career had been spent in the North-East and recalled seeking blessings from the Shehu on previous deployments.
‘Borno will never forget your support’ — Shehu
Responding, the Shehu of Borno congratulated the COAS on his appointment and described him as a trusted partner of the state, stating that residents would never forget his contributions, particularly during the devastating 2024 flood disaster.
“On behalf of myself and the people of Borno, please accept our congratulations. We wish you Allah’s guidance and protection,” the monarch said.
“The people of Borno will never forget you for what you did during the flood disaster. You provided shelter, water, food — this palace was a refuge when over 70 to 80 per cent of the city was underwater.”
The Shehu also highlighted the size and complexity of the territory under his emirate, noting that 16 out of Borno’s 27 Local Government Areas are under his traditional jurisdiction.
“We have 59 District Council Chairmen and over 7,000 ward heads. It takes six to seven hours by four-wheel drive from one end of the emirate to the other,” he stated.
He noted that Borno borders Cameroon, Niger and Chad, making it a highly strategic frontline in the fight against cross-border insurgency.
“Those days, attacks came at any time because borders were porous. But not anymore. The situation is under control due to the actions of the government and the military,” he said.
The monarch pledged sustained cooperation with the military and urged traditional leaders to continue mobilising communities for intelligence sharing.
“Your people are cooperating and assisting us greatly. We are grateful to the Theatre Commander and to everyone involved in keeping peace.”
