Nigeria has appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new theatre commander for the military’s counterinsurgency operations in the northeast, following a troubling resurgence of attacks by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
A Shift in Command
Abubakar becomes the 15th commander to lead Operation Hadin Kai, the military campaign targeting jihadist groups in Borno and surrounding states. His appointment was confirmed in a statement by Reuben Kovangiya, spokesperson for the operation.
Abubakar brings significant operational experience, having previously served as:
- Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Defence College
- Commander of a major security operation in north-central Nigeria
Rising Threats and Sophisticated Tactics
In recent months, Boko Haram and ISWAP have escalated their attacks, killing dozens of civilians and military personnel. Security experts note that the insurgents are adopting increasingly advanced tactics, including:
- Use of armed drones
- Planting of explosive devices on major roads
- Frequent ambushes and kidnappings
ISWAP recently claimed responsibility for a deadly assault in Borno State that killed at least 26 people, further raising alarm about a possible resurgence of full-scale insurgency.
Government Response
While the Nigerian military has not directly linked Abubakar’s appointment to the surge in violence, the change in command comes amid intensifying criticism of the security situation, particularly from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who warned:
“It is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities, almost on a daily basis without confrontation, signaled that Borno State is losing ground.”
Background
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in 2009, has resulted in over 350,000 deaths and displaced millions. Despite claims of territorial gains by the military in recent years, both Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to pose serious threats through asymmetric warfare.
