By OBSERVERS TIMES
In a significant development, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has officially taken over as the 15th Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), succeeding Major General Waidi Shaibu. The handover ceremony was held at the Headquarters Theatre Command in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Major General Abubakar brings over a decade of extensive operational, command, and instructional experience to his new role. His previous assignments include Commander of Sector 3 OPHK and the Multinational Joint Task Force in Mungono, General Officer Commanding 7 Division/Commander of Sector 1 OPHK in Maiduguri, and General Officer Commanding 3 Division/Commander of Operation Safe Haven. Prior to his appointment as Theatre Commander, he served as the 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 personnel for their cooperation during his tenure. He described his time in command as a journey filled with valuable experiences, highlighted by numerous operations against terrorist enclaves.
General Shaibu emphasized the importance of maintaining dedication and professionalism in the ongoing fight against terrorism, urging the troops to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. He also encouraged them to extend the same level of cooperation and loyalty to his successor, whom he praised as a veteran of the Theatre.
The handover ceremony included the signing of handover notes, an address to the troops, and group photographs.
Reuben KovangiyaCaptainActing Deputy DirectorArmy Public RelationsHeadquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin KaiApril 28, 2025
