Nigerian Army Reshuffles Top Command, Appoints Major General Ajose as New Hadin Kai Commander

The Nigerian Army has carried out a major reshuffle of its senior command, redeploying 16 Major Generals and several Brigadier Generals to new positions across the service.

A key change affects the North-East, where Major General Ibikunle Ajose has been appointed the new Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the Army’s major counter-insurgency operation in the region.

Ajose is moving from the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations to take charge of the theatre. He replaces Major General A.E. Abubakar, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

Operation Hadin Kai remains central to the military’s efforts against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in the North-East. The change in leadership comes as security operations in the region continue to require sustained military pressure and effective coordination.

Beyond the Hadin Kai theatre, the latest postings affect senior command, training, logistics and administrative roles across the Nigerian Army.

The Army said the reshuffle was designed to strengthen leadership, improve operational effectiveness and align officers’ experience with Nigeria’s changing security challenges.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, charged the newly appointed commanders to uphold professionalism, demonstrate strong leadership and deliver on their responsibilities.

The impact of the new command structure will ultimately be measured by its ability to improve military effectiveness and security outcomes in areas affected by terrorism and other threats.