ARMY NAMES BATTLE-TESTED GENERAL TO LEAD NORTH-EAST COUNTER-INSURGENCY CAMPAIGN

Major General Ibikunle Ajose has assumed duty as the new Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai, taking charge of the military’s counter-insurgency campaign against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists in the region. His appointment is part of a wider Nigerian Army reshuffle approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, as the military seeks to strengthen leadership and improve its response to evolving security challenges across the country.

Ajose was moved from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to the North-East theatre, where he replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar. Before his latest posting, Ajose served as the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and also commanded Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fasan Yamma, giving him experience in both conventional military command and operations against armed groups.

His new responsibility places him at the centre of Nigeria’s efforts to contain the long-running insurgency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states. Operation Hadin Kai remains one of the military’s most important frontline operations, with troops working to disrupt the activities of Boko Haram and ISWAP, protect communities and maintain security along major routes and other strategic areas affected by insurgent attacks.

The change in command is part of a broader redeployment involving several senior officers across operational theatres, training institutions and strategic formations. The Army said the appointments were designed to match officers’ experience and expertise with the demands of their new assignments while strengthening operational effectiveness. The outgoing commander, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, where he will serve as Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research.

Ajose, who is also known in military circles as “General Airborne,” now faces the task of sustaining military pressure on insurgent groups while improving coordination and protecting civilians in the North-East. His previous frontline assignments are expected to provide valuable experience as he takes over one of the country’s most challenging security commands, with the Army leadership urging newly posted commanders to demonstrate professionalism, innovation and strong leadership in their respective formations.