Nigeria Counter-Terrorism: Gen. Ajose Assumes Command of Operation HADIN KAI

Major General Ibikunle Ajose has officially taken over as the 16th Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), succeeding Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who leaves behind a record of 1,106 terrorists neutralised, 475 weapons recovered, and over 7,000 displaced families returning to their ancestral homes.

The formal handing and taking-over ceremony took place on 15 September 2026 at the Headquarters Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment, in Maiduguri, Borno State, marking a major transition in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.

Legacy of Normalcy: Highlights of Gen. Abubakar’s Tenure

Before handing over command, Major General Abubakar hosted a media parley to review the theatre’s achievements over the past year. He emphasized that the primary mandate was restoring socio-economic life to the North East. Key milestones achieved under his leadership include the resettlement of over 7,000 displaced families who returned home, and abandoned communities across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Borno State were reoccupied.

Within the period, more than 3,000 Nigerian refugees were repatriated from the Republic of Cameroon, with efforts intensified to revive the socio-economic life of the people through the reopening of vital trade routes and local markets.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Scheme also returned to Maiduguri after a 13-year hiatus, and national examinations (WAEC/NECO) were successfully conducted in frontline areas like Banki and Gwoza.

Frontline Statistics: The Cost of the Crackdown

The outgoing commander disclosed significant blows dealt to JAS/ISWAP terrorist networks through combined kinetic and intelligence operations. 1,106 terrorists were neutralised, including several high-profile commanders. Furthermore, the operations recorded 969 fighters and their families who surrendered due to sustained military pressure.

Over 638 civilian captives were also freed from terrorist enclaves, and over 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition were recovered.

The operations also tackled terrorism financing, intercepting over ₦300 million tied to terrorist financiers and arresting 758 logistics collaborators.

The theatre’s surveillance capabilities also received a boost during this period with the deployment of Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and the Army Remotely Piloted RPA System Regiment.

Borno Government Commends Decisive Leadership

Speaking at the event, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum (represented by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar), praised General Abubakar’s responsiveness. He described the remaining insurgents as a mere “residue of what was once a formidable adversary,” attributing the peace breakthrough to enhanced intelligence gathering and improved civil-military relations.

Before departing, General Abubakar visited the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery to lay a wreath in honour of the fallen heroes who paid the supreme price.

Gen. Ajose Pledges to Consolidate Gains

Taking the mantle, the incoming 16th Theatre Commander, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, assured that the mission to eradicate terrorism remains unchanged.

General Ajose is not new to the terrain, having previously served as the Commander of the 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff of the Force Special Forces Command in Borno State. He pledged to leverage his deep knowledge of the local landscape to eliminate remaining security threats while sustaining strong partnerships with the Borno State Government, humanitarian agencies, and local Hybrid Forces.