Abuja, 10 September (H.S.): Nigeria has appointed a new commander to lead military operations against Boko Haram and its Islamic State-linked faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in the country’s northeastern region. According to the Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose will now take charge of Operation Hadin Kai. He succeeds Major General Abdul-Salam Abubakar.

Ajose was previously posted at Army Headquarters in Abuja. Abubakar assumed command of Operation Hadin Kai as its 15th commander in April 2025. The change in command, coming less than two years into the tenure, takes place at a time when Nigeria is preparing for presidential elections scheduled for January, with security expected to remain a major challenge.

The insurgency waged by Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), has continued since 2009. According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 40,000 people have been killed in the violence so far, while millions have been displaced.

The Nigerian Army has not linked the change of commander to any recent attack. Army spokesperson Apollonia Anele said the appointment was part of a broader military reshuffle involving 15 other generals. The changes are aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of military operations, strengthening leadership and improving the command structure in response to evolving security challenges.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar