Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has officially assumed office as the 15th Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), succeeding Major General Waidi Shaibu.
The handover ceremony, which took place on Tuesday at the OPHK Headquarters in Maimalari Cantonment, was confirmed in a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.
Abubakar, who brings over a decade of experience in military operations, command, and instruction, previously served as Commander of Sector 3 OPHK, the Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division.
He also served as Commander of Sector 1 OPHK in Maiduguri. Prior to his new appointment, Abubakar was the Deputy Commandant and Director of Studies at the National Defence College, Abuja.
In his farewell address, outgoing Commander Major General Shaibu thanked officers and troops for their cooperation and loyalty during his tenure. He described his time in command as both challenging and rewarding, owing to the numerous operations conducted across terrorist strongholds.
Shaibu urged continued professionalism and the support of his successor, whom he described as a well-experienced and capable leader.
The handover ceremony included the formal signing of documents, an address to the troops by the new commander, and a group photograph to mark the transition.
