Story perspectives

Nigerian Army Names Ajose Commander of Operation Hadin Kai

9/9/2026

Summary

Ajose Appointed Commander

Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose was appointed commander of Operation Hadin Kai.
He replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who becomes dean of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu approved the redeployment of 14 other generals in the broader shake-up.
The changes aim to boost operational effectiveness ahead of the January 2027 presidential election amid ongoing insurgent violence.

Summary

Samaila Kaigama Exposes

A secret ceasefire with Boko Haram’s Bakura Doro faction began in June, freeing 360 abducted villagers.
The government allegedly paid N5 billion (?$3.7 million) ransom for the hostages, a claim it denies publicly.
Youth activist Samaila Kaigama, who exposed the ransom, was arrested by the State Security Service and arraigned.
Sources say the ceasefire has sharply reduced Bakura Doro attacks since its June start.

History

Historical Context

The term “Operation Lassa” echoes the disease first identified in Nigeria’s town of Lassa in 1969. Since then, Nigeria has faced recurring Lassa fever waves, such as the 2022 surge with 211 confirmed cases and 40 deaths and the 2024 outbreak reporting 535 cases and 98 deaths. These public-health crises have shaped national security planning and resource allocation.

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Ajose Appointed Commander

Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose was appointed commander of Operation Hadin Kai.
He replaces Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who becomes dean of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.
Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu approved the redeployment of 14 other generals in the broader shake-up.
The changes aim to boost operational effectiveness ahead of the January 2027 presidential election amid ongoing insurgent violence.

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