The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, has entered a new phase of command with Major General Ibikunle Ajose assuming leadership of the Theatre after Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar handed over command following a tenure marked by intensified operations against terrorist groups and expanded efforts to restore normalcy across the North East.
Desk: Defence & Security
Date: 16 September 2026
Time: 09:55 WAT
Location: Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
The formal handing and taking over ceremony took place on 15 September 2026 at Headquarters Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, with Major General Ajose becoming the 16th Theatre Commander after Major General Abubakar served as the 15th.
The transition followed a Stakeholders Engagement and Media Parley hosted by Major General Abubakar, where he reviewed the Theatre's mandate and operational record during his tenure. He said OPHK had been tasked with facilitating the restoration of normalcy in the North East and creating an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
That effort, he disclosed, contributed to the return of more than 7,000 displaced families to their ancestral communities and the reoccupation of previously abandoned communities across every Local Government Area of Borno State.
The former Theatre Commander also highlighted the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon, the return of the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Scheme to Maiduguri after more than 13 years, the conduct of WAEC and NECO examinations in communities including Banki and Gwoza, and the reopening of trade routes and local markets.
On the operational front, Major General Abubakar disclosed that troops neutralised more than 1,106 JAS/ISWAP terrorists, including notable terrorist leaders, recovered more than 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, and discovered and detonated at least 295 Improvised Explosive Devices.
He added that more than ₦300 million linked to terrorist financiers was intercepted, while at least 758 terrorist logistics collaborators were arrested. Sustained kinetic pressure, combined with non-kinetic measures, also contributed to the surrender of more than 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their family members within the last year, alongside the rescue of 638 civilians from terrorist enclaves.
The Theatre's operational capacity was further strengthened during the period through the operationalisation of Sector 4, the induction of Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Regiment, and improvements to the Military Command and Control Centre aimed at strengthening frontline surveillance and situational awareness.
The Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended Major General Abubakar's leadership during the engagement. He credited the outgoing commander with responsive and decisive action, particularly in acting on actionable intelligence, and described the remaining terrorists as a residue of what had previously been a formidable adversary.
The Governor's representative also identified improvements in intelligence gathering, civil-military relations, personnel welfare and the establishment of a command-and-control centre linking units and formations across the Theatre as important initiatives during the outgoing command.
Major General Abubakar attributed the recorded gains to the courage, resilience and sacrifices of troops, as well as sustained support from government, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders. He acknowledged the contributions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W Shuaibu, the Borno State Government, UN OCHA, ICRC, British Defence Staff West Africa, Hybrid Forces, humanitarian partners and the media.
The outgoing Theatre Commander also visited the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery, where he laid a wreath in honour of personnel who paid the supreme sacrifice in the defence of the nation.
At the formal transition ceremony, Major General Abubakar urged troops to remain dedicated and professional and to sustain the fight against terrorism while honouring the sacrifices of fallen personnel. He also called on troops and stakeholders to extend to Major General Ajose the same cooperation and loyalty given to his command, describing his successor as a battle-tested infantry general with the experience required to consolidate the Theatre's gains.
Taking over as the 16th Theatre Commander, Major General Ajose reaffirmed that the fundamental mandate of Operation HADIN KAI remains unchanged: restoring normalcy in the North East and creating conditions for socio-economic activity to thrive.
The new Theatre Commander commended his predecessor for the progress recorded and pledged to sustain and consolidate those gains. He also pointed to his previous experience in Borno State, where he served as Commander 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff, Force Special Forces Command, as a foundation for his understanding of the operational environment.
Major General Ajose further pledged to maintain existing relationships with the Borno State Government, humanitarian partners, Hybrid Forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the media and other critical stakeholders as the Theatre continues its campaign against terrorism.
The transition ceremony featured the signing of handing and taking over notes, an address to troops, quarter guard, the lowering and hoisting of the Regimental Colours, presentation of awards and souvenirs, and a group photograph.
🏷️ Tags: Operation HADIN KAI, Zig Diaries Defence, Theatre Command, Ibikunle Ajose, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Borno State
#ZigPressRelease #ZigDiariesDefence #OperationHADINKAI #NigerianArmy #IbikunleAjose #Borno #NorthEast
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