By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has witnessed a change of command as Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar formally handed over the mantle of leadership to Major General Ibikunle Ajose, who assumed duty as the 16th Theatre Commander.
This was contained in a statement by Captain Mohammed Goni, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, Maiduguri on 15 September, 2026.
The formal handing and taking over ceremony was held on 15 September 2026 at Headquarters Theatre Command, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
Ahead of the ceremony, Major General Abubakar hosted a Stakeholders Engagement and Media Parley to mark the end of his tenure.
He said the task given to OPHK when he assumed command was to facilitate the restoration of normalcy in the North East and create an enabling environment for socio-economic activities to thrive.
He listed key achievements:
– Over 7,000 displaced families returned to their ancestral communities, with previously abandoned communities reoccupied across every LGA of Borno State.
– Voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation of over 3,000 Nigerians from the Republic of Cameroon.
– Return of the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Scheme to Maiduguri after more than 13 years.
– Conduct of WAEC and NECO examinations in Banki and Gwoza and reopening of trade routes and local markets.
On operational gains, he disclosed that troops:
– Neutralised over 1,106 JAS/ISWAP terrorists, including notable leaders
– Recovered over 475 assorted weapons and 24,409 rounds of ammunition
– Discovered and detonated 295 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs)
– Intercepted over ₦300 million linked to terrorist financiers
– Arrested 758 terrorist logistics collaborators
– Recorded 969 JAS/ISWAP fighters and family members surrendering in one year
– Rescued 638 civilians from terrorist enclaves
The Theatre was also strengthened through the operationalisation of Sector 4, induction of Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Regiment, and enhancement of the Military Command and Control Centre.
The Special Guest of Honour, Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, represented by Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, commended Maj Gen Abubakar for responsive and decisive leadership, noting his prompt response to actionable intelligence. He described remaining terrorists as a residue of what was once a formidable adversary.
Major General Abubakar attributed achievements to troops’ courage and support of stakeholders, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. OO Oluyede, COAS Lt. Gen. W. Shuaibu, Borno State Government, UN OCHA, ICRC, British Defence Staff-West Africa, other security agencies, Hybrid Forces, humanitarian partners, and the media. He also visited the Maimalari Cantonment Military Cemetery and laid a wreath in honour of fallen heroes.
At the ceremony, Maj Gen Abubakar urged troops to remain professional and to extend the same loyalty to his successor, whom he described as a battle-tested infantry general.
In his maiden address, Maj Gen Ibikunle Ajose affirmed that the mandate remains unchanged: to restore normalcy and enable socio-economic activities to thrive. He said he is not a stranger to the Theatre, having served as Commander 5 Brigade and Chief of Staff, Force Special Forces Command in Borno.
He pledged to sustain relationships with the Borno Government, humanitarian partners, Hybrid Forces, Civilian JTF, media and other stakeholders.
The ceremony featured signing of handing/taking over notes, address to troops, quarter guard, lowering and hoisting of Regimental Colours, awards, souvenirs, and group photograph.
