The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has recorded a change of command as Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar handed over leadership of the Theatre to Major General Ibikunle Ajose.
The handing and taking over ceremony, held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Headquarters Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, marked the end of Abubakar’s tenure as the 15th Theatre Commander and the assumption of office by Ajose as the 16th Theatre Commander.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement and media parley ahead of the ceremony, Abubakar said OPHK had made significant progress in its mandate to restore normalcy in the North-East and create an environment conducive to socio-economic activities.
He disclosed that more than 7,000 displaced families had returned to their ancestral communities, while previously abandoned communities had been reoccupied across all Local Government Areas of Borno State.
According to him, the Theatre also facilitated the voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon, while the National Youth Service Corps orientation programme returned to Maiduguri after more than 13 years.
Abubakar added that WAEC and NECO examinations had resumed in communities including Banki and Gwoza, while trade routes and local markets had also reopened.
On the operational gains recorded during his tenure, the former Theatre Commander said troops neutralised more than 1,106 JAS/ISWAP terrorists, including some senior commanders.
He said the troops recovered more than 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition, while at least 295 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were discovered and detonated.
He further disclosed that security forces intercepted more than ₦300 million allegedly linked to terrorist financiers and arrested no fewer than 758 terrorist logistics collaborators.
According to him, sustained kinetic operations, complemented by non-kinetic efforts, also led to the surrender of more than 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their family members within the past year, while 638 civilians were rescued from terrorist enclaves.
Abubakar said the Theatre’s operational capabilities were further enhanced 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 Military Command and Control Centre was strengthened to improve surveillance and situational awareness along the frontline.
The Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, commended Abubakar for what he described as responsive and decisive leadership.
Tar said Abubakar’s prompt response to actionable intelligence, improved intelligence gathering, civil-military relations and personnel welfare contributed to the successes recorded during his tenure.
He also commended the establishment of a command-and-control centre linking units and formations across the Theatre.
Abubakar attributed the achievements to the courage and sacrifices of troops, as well as the support of the Federal Government, Borno State Government, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and other stakeholders.
He also paid tribute to fallen personnel, visiting the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery where he laid a wreath in honour of officers and soldiers who died in the line of duty.
At the formal handover ceremony, Abubakar urged troops to remain professional and committed to their duties, while encouraging them to extend the same cooperation and loyalty accorded him to his successor.
He described Ajose as a battle-tested infantry general whose experience would help consolidate the gains already recorded in the Theatre.
In his maiden address as Theatre Commander, Ajose said the mandate of Operation HADIN KAI remained unchanged: to restore normalcy in the North-East and create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities.
He commended his predecessor for the progress recorded and pledged to sustain and consolidate the gains.
Ajose noted that he was familiar with the operational environment, having previously served as Commander of 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff, Force Special Forces Command, in Borno State.
He assured troops and stakeholders that his knowledge of the terrain and operational experience would be deployed towards ending terrorism in the North-East.
The new Theatre Commander also pledged to sustain existing relationships with the Borno State Government, humanitarian partners, Hybrid Forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force, the media and other critical stakeholders.
The ceremony featured the signing of handing and taking-over notes, an address to troops, quarter guard, lowering and hoisting of the Regimental Colours, presentation of awards and souvenirs, and a group photograph.
