Nigeria has appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new commander to lead the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgency in the northeast.
The appointment comes amid renewed attacks in the region, which have killed several civilians and soldiers.
Abubakar’s previous roles include deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and commander of a major security operation in north-central Nigeria.
The insurgents have increased attacks in recent weeks, using tactics such as armed drones and explosive devices planted on major roads.
ISWAP claimed responsibility for an attack on Borno state on Tuesday, which killed at least 26 people.
The Borno state governor has expressed concerns that the state is losing ground to the insurgents.
The army did not link the new appointment to the surge in attacks.
