Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose takes charge of Operation Hadin Kai as Nigeria prepares for elections amid persistent insecurity in the northeast.
Abuja, Nigeria (Running Africa) — Nigeria has appointed Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose as the new commander of military operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State-linked ISWAP in the country’s northeast.
Ajose replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who had led Operation Hadin Kai since April 2025.
He becomes the 16th officer to command the military formation established to coordinate Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign in the northeast.
Ibikunle Ajose Takes Command of Operation Hadin Kai
The Nigerian Army said Ajose’s appointment was part of a wider leadership reshuffle involving 15 generals.
According to the military, the changes are intended to improve operational effectiveness and strengthen leadership across its formations.
The Army did not attribute Abubakar’s replacement to any specific recent attack or battlefield setback.
Ajose previously served at the Army Headquarters in Abuja before being appointed to oversee Operation Hadin Kai.
Boko Haram and ISWAP Remain Major Security Threats
Ajose takes command as insurgent violence continues to pose a significant security challenge across northeastern Nigeria.
The Boko Haram insurgency began in 2009, while Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) later emerged as a major faction operating in the region.
Years of conflict involving the militant groups have killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions across Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad region.
Nigeria’s military has continued counter-insurgency operations against both groups as authorities seek to restore security to affected communities.
Security in Focus Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Election
The leadership change also comes months before Nigeria’s presidential election scheduled for January 2027.
Insecurity has disrupted voting in parts of northeastern Nigeria during previous elections, making security conditions in the region an important issue ahead of the polls.
Ajose will now be responsible for directing one of Nigeria’s most significant military operations as the armed forces continue their campaign against Boko Haram and ISWAP while working to improve security across the northeast.
