Published: · Region: Africa · Category: conflict

Tinubu Reshuffles 15 Generals as Ajose Takes Command of Nigeria’s Northeast War

Nigeria has reassigned 15 generals and put Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose in charge of Operation Hadin Kai, the army’s main campaign against Boko Haram and other Islamist fighters in the northeast.

Nigeria’s army leadership has been shaken up again, with a new commander taking charge of the country’s most important internal conflict.

As part of a reshuffle announced on 14 September 2026 and involving 15 generals, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose has assumed command of Operation Hadin Kai. The operation is the Nigerian army’s main campaign against Boko Haram and other Islamist fighters in the north‑east. Ajose replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who has been moved to another post.

The changes come as President Bola Tinubu’s government seeks to show it is not content with the current trajectory of a war that has dragged on for years. The conflict has scarred Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, displaced large numbers of civilians and forced Abuja to devote significant military and financial resources to the region.

For people in the northeast, the reshuffle will be judged by outcomes on the ground: whether roads become safer, attacks decline and displaced families can return home. For the military, it is a chance to adjust tactics and command relationships on an operation that has to coordinate land forces, air support and intelligence over a vast and often inaccessible area.

Foreign partners that support Nigeria’s security forces will be watching for signs of any change in emphasis under Ajose, including how Operation Hadin Kai balances offensive action against insurgent groups with protection of civilians.

Indicators of whether this reshuffle has bite will include trends in attacks on soldiers and civilians, the pace of military operations in remote areas and any public signals from Abuja that the campaign’s strategy is being revised as new commanders settle into their roles.

Sources

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