Maj-Gen Abubakar Takes Over as New Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno

In a key leadership change, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has officially taken command as the 15th Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), succeeding Major General Waidi Shaibu in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The formal handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, as confirmed by a statement from Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.

Major General Abubakar brings with him a wealth of operational, command, and instructional experience accumulated over more than a decade. His past roles have included serving as Commander of Sector 3 OPHK and the Multi-National Joint Task Force in Monguno, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1 OPHK in Maiduguri, as well as GOC 3 Division/Commander of Operation Safe Haven.

Before his new appointment, Major General Abubakar held the position of Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at the National Defence College in Abuja.

In his farewell address, Major General Shaibu expressed heartfelt gratitude to the officers and troops for their steadfast cooperation and support during his tenure. He reflected on his time in command as a period marked by valuable experience, shaped by numerous operations within terrorist strongholds in the region.

He urged the troops to maintain professionalism and dedication in the ongoing fight against terrorism, acknowledging the sacrifices made by personnel in service to the nation. Major General Shaibu also encouraged the soldiers to support Major General Abubakar, describing him as a seasoned and capable leader well-versed in the operational challenges of the region.

The handover ceremony included the signing of the official handover notes, an address to the troops by the incoming commander, and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.