Nigeria: Nigerian Army Redeploys Top Generals, Appoints New Person to Lead Boko Haram War

What the report says

The Nigerian Army has carried out a broad redeployment of senior officers, including a change in leadership for Operation HADIN KAI, the military’s main campaign against Boko Haram and other armed groups in the North-east. The move was announced in a Wednesday statement by army spokesperson Appolonia Anele and approved by Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, according to Premium Times as republished by AllAfrica.

Under the new postings, Maj. Gen. IA Ajose will take charge of Operation HADIN KAI, replacing Maj. Gen. AE Abubakar. Abubakar has been moved to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre as dean of its Faculty of Operational Research. The redeployment list also includes several other senior officers shifted between Army Headquarters, Defence Headquarters, training institutions and finance-related posts.

The army said the changes are intended to improve operational effectiveness, strengthen leadership and align command structures with Nigeria’s security needs. It said the goal is to place experienced officers in key roles across major theatres and support functions. In general, such rotations are a routine feature of military administration, but this one is notable because it affects the command of the army’s central anti-insurgency operation in the North-east.

The statement also urged the newly appointed officers to demonstrate professional leadership and commitment to the army’s constitutional duties, including defending Nigeria’s territory and supporting civil authorities in maintaining security.