Nigeria has named a new commander to head military operations against Boko Haram and its Islamic State-linked faction in the northeast, the army said on Wednesday.
Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose will take over Operation Hadin Kai. He replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who was appointed in April 2025. The announcement was made by army spokesperson Appolonia Anele.
The change comes less than two years into Abubakar’s tenure and about four months before Nigeria’s presidential elections in January. Insecurity remains a top voter concern after more than a decade of insurgent attacks, banditry and kidnappings.
According to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, the Boko Haram insurgency and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), have killed more than 40,000 people and displaced millions since 2009. Security challenges also affected voting in parts of the northeast during the last presidential election.
The army said the leadership change was not tied to any specific recent attack. Instead, it was part of a broader reshuffle affecting 15 generals. The goal, according to the statement, is to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership, and align command structures with Nigeria’s current security needs.
Ajose previously served at Army Headquarters in Abuja before the new posting.
