New Theatre Commander Vows Tougher Offensive in North-East

On 15 September 2026, Maj Gen Ibikunle Ajose was appointed as the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) during a ceremony in Maiduguri. He pledged to intensify the offensive against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist groups.

Gen Ajose, who has prior experience as a Brigade Commander in Borno and Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma in the North-West, stated that his familiarity with the terrain would aid in maintaining and enhancing the successes achieved in the region. He called for support from the government, partners, and the civilian population, asserting that lasting peace requires both military and non-kinetic approaches.

The outgoing commander, Maj Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar, who served for 17 months, reported significant achievements, including the return of over 7,000 Internally Displaced Persons and the repatriation of over 3,000 refugees from Cameroon. Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum commended the outgoing commander and urged the new commander to build on existing records.