Maj. Gen. Abubakar Assumes Duty as 15th Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI in North-East
The Nigerian Army has announced the appointment of Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), the military campaign tackling insurgency in Nigeria’s Northeast region. He takes over from Major General Waidi Shaibu, becoming the 15th officer to hold the strategic position.
The official handover ceremony took place on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Borno State.
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According to a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations at Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK, Major General Abubakar assumes leadership with a wealth of experience spanning operational, command, and instructional roles. His recent positions include serving as General Officer Commanding 3 Division/Commander of Operation SAFE HAVEN, GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 OPHK Maiduguri, and Commander Sector 3 OPHK/Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno. Prior to this appointment, he was Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at the National Defence College, Abuja.
During his farewell remarks, outgoing Theatre Commander Major General Shaibu expressed gratitude to officers and troops for their cooperation throughout his tenure. Reflecting on his time in command, he described it as a period of intense operations and valuable experiences in counterterrorism engagements.
He commended the troops for their sacrifices and urged them to remain professional and committed in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Shaibu also called on personnel to extend their full support and loyalty to Major General Abubakar, whom he praised as a seasoned and battle-tested leader familiar with the challenges of the theatre.
The handover event featured the formal signing of notes, an address to the troops by the new commander, and a group photograph marking the transition.
The Army’s leadership reassured Nigerians of its continued resolve to restore peace and security in the region through sustained military efforts under capable and experienced command.
By PRNigeria
