In a significant development, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has taken over as the 15th Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), succeeding Major General Waidi Shaibu.
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Captain Reuben Kovangiya said in a oress statement that the handover ceremony took place at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Monday 28 April 2025.
Major General Abubakar brings over a decade of operational, command, and instructional experiences to his new role.
He previously served in various capacities, including Commander Sector 3 OPHK and Multi National Joint Task Force in Mungono, General Officer Commanding 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 OPHK Maiduguri, and General Officer Commanding 3 Division/Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN.
Before he was appointed Theatre Commander, he was the Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies at the National Defence College, Abuja.
In his farewell address, Major General Shaibu expressed gratitude to the officers and personnel for their cooperation during his tenure as Theatre Commander.
He described his time in the role as a journey of experiences, marked by numerous operations in terrorists' enclaves.
General Shaibu emphasised the importance of continuing to fight with dedication and professionalism to honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
He also urged the troops to extend the same cooperation and loyalty to his successor, whom he described as a veteran of the Theatre.
The handover ceremony included the signing of handing and taking over notes, an address to troops and group photographs.
