The Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has witnessed a change of command with Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar handing over leadership to Major General Ibikunle Ajose.
The formal handing and taking over ceremony was held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Headquarters Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, marking the end of Abubakar’s tenure as the 15th Theatre Commander and the assumption of Ajose as the 16th Theatre Commander.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement and media parley ahead of the ceremony, Abubakar said troops had neutralised more than 1,106 JAS/ISWAP terrorists during his tenure.
He disclosed that troops also recovered over 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition, while 295 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were discovered and detonated.
According to him, security forces also intercepted more than ₦300 million linked to terrorist financiers and arrested 758 terrorist logistics collaborators.
Abubakar said sustained military pressure, combined with non-kinetic interventions, also led to the surrender of 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and their family members, while 638 civilians were rescued from terrorist enclaves within the period under review.
He further said more than 7,000 displaced families had returned to their ancestral communities across Borno State, with previously abandoned communities being reoccupied.
Other achievements highlighted included the voluntary and safe repatriation of more than 3,000 Nigerians from Cameroon, the return of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Scheme to Maiduguri after over 13 years, and the conduct of WAEC and NECO examinations in communities including Banki and Gwoza.
Abubakar also cited the reopening of trade routes and local markets, the operationalisation of Sector 4, the induction of Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Regiment as part of measures that strengthened the Theatre’s operational capabilities.
He attributed the progress recorded 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.
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, commended Abubakar for his leadership and contributions to the fight against terrorism.
Tar particularly highlighted improvements in intelligence gathering, civil-military relations, personnel welfare and the establishment of a command-and-control centre linking formations and units across the Theatre.
During the formal ceremony, Abubakar urged troops to remain professional and committed to their duties, while calling on them to extend the same cooperation and loyalty to his successor.
He described Major General Ajose as a battle-tested infantry general with the experience required to consolidate the gains recorded in the Theatre.
In his maiden address as Theatre Commander, Ajose pledged to sustain the mandate of Operation HADIN KAI to restore normalcy in the North East and create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
Ajose, who previously served as Commander of 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff, Force Special Forces Command in Borno State, said his familiarity with the terrain would contribute to ongoing efforts to end terrorism in the region.
He also pledged to maintain strong 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 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.
The statement was signed by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri.
