Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Nigerian Army Redeploys Generals, Names New North-East Commander
The Nigerian Army has moved several senior generals to new jobs.
Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose is now in charge of military operations in the North-East.
These operations are called Operation Hadin Kai.
He replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who will take a research role.
The Army says the changes are meant to put experienced leaders in important positions.
The reshuffle affects 15 generals.
It was not announced as a response to one particular recent attack.
Boko Haram and ISWAP have caused serious insecurity in the region for many years.
Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose will lead Operation Hadin Kai in Nigeria’s North-East.
Ajose replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who held the post since April 2025.
Abubakar is moving to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as Dean of Operational Research.
The reshuffle affects 15 generals and was approved by Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu.
The Army says the changes aim to improve operational effectiveness amid continuing Boko Haram and ISWAP insecurity.
- Who
- The Nigerian Army, led in this exercise by Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, with Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose appointed as commander.
- What
- The Army redeployed 15 generals and changed leadership of Operation Hadin Kai.
- When
- The changes were announced before presidential elections scheduled for January; Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar had assumed command in April 2025.
- Where
- The changes affect military formations and institutions, including Operation Hadin Kai in Nigeria’s North-East and Army headquarters in Abuja.
- Why
- The Army said the reshuffle is intended to strengthen operational effectiveness, improve leadership, and align commands with evolving security challenges.
- New North-East commander
- Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose
- Outgoing commander
- Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar
- Operation
- Joint Task Force North-East, Operation Hadin Kai
- Scale of reshuffle
- 15 generals redeployed
- Approving official
- Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Army Staff
- New role for Abubakar
- Dean of the Faculty of Operational Research at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre
- Insurgent groups
- Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province