By Gabriel Ameh
Major General Ibikunle Ajose has assumed command of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), following the formal handover by Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The change of command took place on September 15, 2026, at the Headquarters Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment, marking the end of Major General Abubakar’s tenure as the 15th Theatre Commander and the beginning of Major General Ajose’s tenure as the 16th.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement and media parley ahead of the ceremony, Major General Abubakar said Operation Hadin Kai had focused on restoring normalcy and creating an environment where socio-economic activities could resume across the North-East.
According to him, more than 7,000 displaced families have returned to their ancestral communities, while previously abandoned communities have been reoccupied across the local government areas of Borno State.
He also cited the voluntary repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon, the return of the National Youth Service Corps orientation programme to Maiduguri after more than 13 years, and the conduct of WAEC and NECO examinations in communities including Banki and Gwoza.
Abubakar said the reopening of trade routes and local markets had also contributed to the return of economic activities in affected communities.
OPHK reports over 1,100 terrorists neutralised
On military operations, Abubakar said troops under Operation Hadin Kai had neutralised more than 1,106 JAS/ISWAP terrorists, including some identified terrorist leaders, during his tenure.
He said troops also recovered more than 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
According to the outgoing commander, troops discovered and detonated at least 295 improvised explosive devices, while more than ₦300 million allegedly linked to terrorist financiers was intercepted.
He added that 758 suspected terrorist logistics collaborators were arrested during the period.
Abubakar further disclosed that 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their family members surrendered within the last year, while 638 civilians were rescued from terrorist enclaves.
The outgoing commander attributed the reported gains to sustained military pressure combined with non-kinetic measures, as well as the support of security agencies, government institutions, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders.
New command structure and surveillance capabilities
Abubakar 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 across the theatre.
The Borno State Government, represented at the engagement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended Abubakar’s leadership.
Tar highlighted improvements in intelligence gathering, civil-military relations, personnel welfare and command-and-control coordination among the initiatives credited with contributing to the reported operational gains.
Ajose promises to consolidate gains
At the formal handover ceremony, Abubakar urged troops to remain professional and committed to their duties, while asking them to extend the cooperation given to him to his successor.
He described Major General Ajose as a battle-tested infantry officer whose experience would be important in consolidating the gains recorded by the theatre.
Taking over as the new Theatre Commander, Ajose said the mandate of Operation Hadin Kai remained unchanged: to support the restoration of normalcy in the North-East and create an environment where socio-economic activities can thrive.
He commended his predecessor for what he described as visible progress and pledged to sustain and consolidate the gains.
Ajose said he was familiar with the theatre, having previously served as Commander of 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff, Force Special Forces Command, in Borno State.
He said his knowledge of the terrain and previous operational experience would support efforts to end terrorism in the North-East.
The new Theatre Commander also pledged to maintain existing relationships with the Borno State Government, humanitarian partners, Hybrid Forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the media and other stakeholders.
The ceremony featured the signing of handing-over notes, an address to troops, a quarter guard, the lowering and hoisting of the Regimental Colours, presentation of awards and souvenirs, and a group photograph.
Major General Abubakar also paid tribute to fallen military personnel at the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery, where he laid a wreath in honour of personnel who died in the line of duty.
