RismadarVoice Reporters
September 16, 2026
Major General Ibikunle Ajose has assumed command of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, taking over from Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the 16th Theatre Commander.
The formal handing and taking-over ceremony was held on September 15, 2026, at the Headquarters of Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, marking the end of Abubakar’s tenure as the 15th Theatre Commander.
The leadership transition comes as the military reports significant operational activities against Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents across the North-East.
During a stakeholders’ engagement and media parley held ahead of the ceremony, Abubakar said the Theatre had focused on restoring normalcy and creating conditions for socio-economic activities to resume in communities affected by terrorism.
According to figures released by the Theatre, troops under Operation HADIN KAI neutralised more than 1,106 JAS/ISWAP fighters, including some identified as senior terrorist commanders, during his tenure.
The military also reported the recovery of more than 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
Troops reportedly discovered and detonated at least 295 improvised explosive devices, while more than ₦300 million allegedly linked to terrorist financiers was intercepted.
The Theatre further said 758 suspected terrorist logistics collaborators were arrested during the period.
Abubakar said sustained military operations, combined with non-kinetic measures, contributed to the surrender of more than 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their family members within the preceding year.
He added that troops rescued 638 civilians from terrorist enclaves during the period.
Beyond battlefield operations, the Theatre reported developments aimed at facilitating the return of civilian life in affected communities.
According to the outgoing commander, more than 7,000 displaced families returned to their ancestral communities, while previously abandoned communities were reoccupied across Local Government Areas in Borno State.
He also highlighted the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon, as well as the return of the National Youth Service Corps orientation programme to Maiduguri after more than 13 years.
Theatre authorities also cited the conduct of WAEC and NECO examinations in Banki and Gwoza, alongside the reopening of trade routes and local markets, as indications of improving conditions in affected areas.
The outgoing commander said Operation HADIN KAI had also been strengthened through the operationalisation of Sector 4, the induction of Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Regiment.
He added that the enhancement of the Military Command and Control Centre had improved surveillance and situational awareness for commanders and troops operating on the frontline.
Representing Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the stakeholders’ engagement, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended Abubakar’s leadership and response to intelligence-driven operations.
Tar said the establishment of a command-and-control centre linking formations and units, improvements in intelligence gathering, civil-military relations and personnel welfare contributed to the reported progress.
He described the remaining insurgents as a residual force of a previously stronger adversary, while stressing the importance of continued security operations.
Abubakar attributed the reported achievements to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of military personnel, as well as the cooperation of government authorities, other security agencies, humanitarian organisations, community stakeholders and the media.
He also paid tribute to military personnel who died in the line of duty, visiting the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery, where he laid a wreath in their honour.
At the formal change-of-command ceremony, Abubakar urged troops to maintain professionalism and dedication in the fight against terrorism.
He also called on personnel and other stakeholders to extend to Ajose the cooperation and loyalty given to him during his tenure.
Ajose, in his maiden address as Theatre Commander, said the mandate of Operation HADIN KAI remained unchanged: restoring normalcy in the North-East and creating an environment in which socio-economic activities could thrive.
He commended his predecessor for the progress recorded and pledged to consolidate the gains made by the Theatre.
Ajose is not new to the North-East, having previously served as Commander of 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff, Force Special Forces Command in Borno State.
The new Theatre Commander said his knowledge of the operational environment and previous experience in the region would be brought to bear on efforts to end terrorism in the North-East.
He also pledged to maintain existing relationships with the Borno State Government, humanitarian organisations, Hybrid Forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the media and other stakeholders.
The ceremony included the signing of handing-over and taking-over notes, an address to troops, quarter guard proceedings, the lowering and hoisting of the Regimental Colours, presentation of awards and souvenirs, and a group photograph.
The change of command comes as the military seeks to sustain pressure on insurgent groups while supporting the gradual return of displaced residents, commercial activities and public services across communities affected by the conflict.
