Nigeria appoints new commander for anti-Boko Haram operations

Key facts

• Nigeria appointed Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose as the new commander for military operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
• The appointment replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who had been in the role since April 2025.
• The change is part of a wider military shake-up involving 14 other generals.
• The army stated the reshuffle aims to improve operational effectiveness and leadership.
• Insecurity is a significant concern in Nigeria ahead of the January presidential elections.

Nigeria has appointed Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose as the new commander to lead military operations against Boko Haram and its Islamic State-West Africa Province (ISWAP) splinter group in the country's northeast. The appointment, announced by an army spokesperson on Wednesday, replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who had assumed command less than two years prior.