Military Reshuffles Top Commanders Amid Rising Insecurity in Northern Nigeria

The Nigerian military has initiated a series of high-level redeployments across its formations in a strategic move to curb a resurgence of attacks in Borno, Plateau, and other states. The shake-up, which began with the Nigerian Army on Thursday, is expected to extend to the Air Force and Navy in the coming days.

Among the key changes, Major General A.E. Abubakar has been appointed as the new Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), replacing Major General Shuaibu Waidi, who took over the role in January 2024. Major General A.K. Ibrahim has also been named the new Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

Other senior officers affected by the redeployment include Major General B.I. Alaya, now Director-General of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON); Major General M.K. Gara; and Major General K.O. Ukandu, Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke. Sources indicate the officers will formally assume their new duties following the Easter break.

The redeployments come as Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum raises alarm over renewed threats posed by insurgents in the region. During a recent expanded security meeting in Maiduguri, Zulum warned that the state risks sliding back into turmoil, citing the dislodgment of military bases in areas such as Wulgo, Sabongari, and Wajirko.

While military authorities describe the redeployments as routine, security experts argue that operational success requires more than leadership changes. Retired Brigadier-General Bashir Adewinbi stressed the need for political solutions alongside military action, urging collaboration from communities and political actors to address root causes of insecurity.

Similarly, former DSS Director Mike Ejiofor noted that tactical changes will be ineffective without technological upgrades and improved troop welfare. He emphasized that simply changing commanders without altering conditions on the ground is unlikely to yield different results.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has intensified its offensive against insurgents. Air strikes conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai targeted terrorist strongholds in Sambisa Forest and the Southern Tumbuns. According to NAF spokesman Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, precision-guided munitions were deployed in separate missions at Kollaram and Arra, destroying terrorist infrastructure and eliminating several fighters, including high-value targets.

The military says these operations are part of a broader air campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and ensuring no safe haven exists within Nigerian territory.