Nigerian military completes command handover, confirms ongoing counter‑terrorism efforts

The Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), announced that it has completed a seamless change‑of‑command ceremony across Sectors 1, 2 and 3 of the theatre. The transition was intended to reinforce command continuity, operational stability and sustained momentum in the region’s counter‑terrorism operations.

A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer for the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, detailed the events. In Sector 1, the General Officer Commanding the 7th Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 1, Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, formally transferred command to Brigadier General Solomon Diwa. The ceremony took place at Headquarters 7 Division, Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

“The event marked the end of a successful tenure characterised by operational progress and consolidation of gains within the Division’s Area of Responsibility,” the statement read.

In his closing remarks, Brigadier General Unachukwu described his tenure as challenging yet rewarding, noting that the Division was being handed over in a more stable condition. He praised brigade and field commanders for their dedication, urged personnel to maintain operational momentum, and stressed that the transition should not affect the commitment to duty. He also expressed appreciation for the support of all personnel and reaffirmed confidence in his successor.

Brigadier General Diwa, in his assumption of command remarks, pledged to sustain and build upon the achievements of his predecessor. He assured troops of his commitment to operational effectiveness, innovation and continuous improvement, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy, which aims to develop a well‑motivated, combat‑ready force capable of joint and multi‑agency operations.

In Sector 2, located in Damaturu, Yobe State, Brigadier General Beyidi Martins handed over command to Brigadier General Edet Effiong in a ceremony conducted in accordance with established military traditions and protocols.

Brigadier General Martins thanked officers and soldiers for their dedication, resilience and professionalism during his tenure, which he said was marked by notable operational achievements, improved troop morale and strengthened civil‑military cooperation within the Area of Responsibility. He urged personnel to continue cooperating fully with his successor to sustain ongoing operational gains.

Brigadier General Effiong, in his assumption remarks, commended his predecessor’s exemplary leadership and pledged to consolidate the achievements recorded while intensifying operations across the sector. He highlighted professionalism, discipline, adaptability and enhanced collaboration with local communities as key imperatives for addressing evolving security challenges.

Similarly, in Sector 3, in Monguno, Borno State, Brigadier General Shehu Ahmed formally assumed command from Major General Suleiman Tilawan. The ceremony was colourful and dignified, steeped in military tradition, and also marked the transition of command within the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a component of the sector.

The outgoing commander expressed deep appreciation to officers and soldiers for their unwavering support, loyalty and sacrifices, attributing the sector’s operational successes to teamwork and collective commitment. He urged troops to remain steadfast and fully support the incoming commander to sustain operational momentum.

Brigadier General Ahmed, in his remarks, paid tribute to his predecessor and pledged to build on the solid foundation already established, with renewed emphasis on professionalism, discipline, operational efficiency and troop welfare. He assured that under his leadership, the sector would continue offensive operations and strengthen efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace and stability.

Highlights of the ceremonies included the signing of handing‑over notes, symbolic transfer of command flags, presentation of souvenirs, operational briefings, visits to key locations, meetings with critical stakeholders and group photographs.