Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, has assumed command as the 15th Theatre Commander, North East Joint Task Force of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK).
Major General Abubakar succeeds Maj.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu and the
handover ceremony took place on Tuesday at the OPHK Headquarters in Maimalari Cantonment and was confirmed in a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations.
Abubakar was until his new appointment, Deputy Commandant/Director of Studies, National Defence College, Abuja.
He has previously served as Commander Sector 3 OPHK and the Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno, Commander Sector 1 OPHK Maiduguri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, GOC 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven.
In his farewell remarks, Shaibu thanked the officers and men of the Theatre Command for their support and cooperation during his tenure.
He described his time in the command as a journey filled with extensive operations in terrorists’ enclaves, stressing the importance of sustained professionalism and dedication to honour fallen heroes.
He urged the troops to extend their loyalty and support to his successor, whom he described as a veteran of the counter-terrorism operations in the Theatre.
Climax of the event included the signing of the Handing and Taking over notes, decoration of the incoming TC with the OPHK insignia, presentation of command’s flag, inspection of quarter guards and group photographs.