Military Reshuffles Command As Attacks Escalate In Plateau, Borno

In response to renewed attacks across Plateau, Borno, and other states, the Nigerian military has begun implementing tactical changes in its operations.

The reorganisation, which started with the Nigerian Army on Monday, is expected to extend to the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy in the coming days. Top military officers have already been redeployed in a bid to reinforce ongoing operations.

Among the senior officers affected are the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai in Borno State and the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.

Major General A.E. Abubakar has been appointed as the new Theatre Commander of OPHK, while Major General A.K. Ibrahim has been named the new Commandant of the NDA. Sources within the military told Daily Trust that the redeployed commanders are expected to assume duty after the Easter celebrations.

Major General Shuaibu Waidi, the outgoing Theatre Commander, had only taken over the role on January 30, 2024, from Major General Gold Chibuisi. His tenure focused on sustaining the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP in the northeast.

However, concerns over deteriorating security conditions have persisted. Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, last week warned that the state risked sliding back into chaos.

“Many military locations were dislodged, especially in Wulgo, Sabongari, Wajirko among others. It seems we are losing ground and this is a very important thing that we need to discuss. Peace has gradually returned to Borno within the last 3 years, but we are witnessing sporadic attacks in recent times,” Zulum said during an expanded Security Council meeting in Maiduguri.

Other redeployments include Major General B.I. Alaya, now Director-General of DICON; Major General M.K. Gara; and Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, K.O. Ukandu.

NAF Bombards Terrorist Strongholds in Sambisa

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has intensified its air campaign in Borno State, targeting terrorist enclaves in the Sambisa Forest and Southern Tumbuns.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, NAF spokesman, two successful airstrikes were carried out on known terrorist strongholds.

“The first strike occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. in Kollaram, a known stronghold of insurgents,” he said, noting that surveillance and intelligence confirmed the presence of high-value terrorist commanders at the location.

“Several structures, some equipped with solar panels, were identified as active terrorist hubs. Nigerian Air Force assets carried out a precision strike on the location, eliminating several fighters and disabling key infrastructure,” he added.

A second strike was conducted at about 3:55 p.m. in Arra, Sambisa, following earlier reconnaissance that spotted large clusters of insurgents.

“Precision-guided munitions were employed, resulting in the effective destruction of targets and disruption of the group’s operational capabilities,” Ejodame stated.

“These back-to-back missions are part of a sustained air campaign designed to erode terrorist capabilities, dismantle leadership structures, and eliminate sanctuaries across Nigeria. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to ensuring that no location within the country offers safe haven to terrorists,” he told journalists.