By Augustine Ehikioya
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has called on traditional institution in the country to continue to support and sustain the peace building efforts in their domain.
He made the call on Friday when he paid separate courtesy visits on the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, Rt Hon. Umaru Ahmadu Fintiri at the Government House, Yola and on the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Aliyu Musdapha, at his palace.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, O Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
During the visit, the COAS, according to the statement, also appreciated the support of the Government and people of Adamawa State to troops of the Nigerian Army.
It reads “He particularly lauded the Governor for personally attending the burial of Late Brig. -Gen. Zurkushu and 7 other patriots.
“He also appreciated the Governor and Government of Adamawa State for the financial support rendered to the families of the fallen heroes.”
At the Government House, Governor Fintiri extolled the efforts of the troops and the “selfless sacrifice of the gallant officers and men of the NA in maintaining peace and security of Adamawa State and the Nation at large.”
He urged the troops to maintain professionalism in the conduct of their operations.
At the Lamido Adamawa’s palace, the COAS stated that he was at the palace of the monarch to pay his respect and appreciate him for his unrelenting support to the Nigerian Army.
“He expressed gratitude for the peace building effort of the traditional leader through preaching and promotion of peaceful co-existence amongst people of diverse ethnic extraction in his domain.
“Gen. Yahaya urged the monarch to sustain the effort. The COAS, solicited the goodwill of the traditional leadership in continually encouraging the people to support the security agencies with credible information to enhance ongoing operations,” the statement said.
Responding, the Lamido prayed for the success of the NA and other security agencies in their operational engagements to stem the tide of insecurity and restore peace in the country.
He called on all stakeholders and members of the public not to be reclusive, but to support the NA and other security agencies in their operations.