Major General Ibikunle Ajose has assumed duty as the new Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North-East, taking over the command of the military’s counter-insurgency campaign in the region.
Maj Gen Ajose formally assumed command on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, following the recent strategic posting and redeployment of senior officers within the Nigerian Army.
He succeeded Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who previously headed the theatre command.
His assumption of duty comes at a critical period in the military’s sustained campaign against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East, with the new Theatre Commander expected to build on existing operational gains while strengthening the tempo of operations against terrorist and criminal networks.
As Theatre Commander, Maj Gen Ajose will coordinate military operations aimed at degrading the operational capabilities of Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and other organised criminal groups operating across the region.
He is also expected to consolidate the gains recorded under the outgoing Theatre Commander by strengthening operational coordination, intelligence gathering and joint security efforts aimed at denying terrorist groups the freedom to operate and re-establish influence in vulnerable communities.
Over the years, Operation Hadin Kai has remained at the forefront of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East, conducting operations that have disrupted terrorist networks, destroyed hideouts and logistics bases, rescued hostages and supported efforts to restore security and stability to affected communities.
Under the new command, greater emphasis is expected on intelligence-led operations, surveillance and reconnaissance, alongside improved coordination among military formations and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies.
These approaches are expected to strengthen the ability of the security forces to identify emerging threats, disrupt terrorist activities and respond more effectively to attacks and other security challenges across the theatre.
The North-East has remained a major security theatre after more than a decade of terrorist violence and violent extremism, which has resulted in significant loss of lives, displacement of communities and destruction of infrastructure and livelihoods.
Maj Gen Ajose brings considerable operational experience to his new assignment.Before his appointment as Theatre Commander, he served at Army Headquarters in the Department of Operations and previously served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army.
His experience in operational planning and command is expected to be brought to bear as he assumes responsibility for coordinating the military’s campaign against terrorism and other security threats in the North-East.
As the new Theatre Commander settles into his command, attention will focus on how his leadership will shape the next phase of Operation Hadin Kai, particularly in the areas of intelligence-driven operations, inter-agency coordination, protection of vulnerable communities and sustained pressure on terrorist networks.
Leave a Reply