Over the last 14 months, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, former Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the North East, demonstrated remarkable leadership through strategic operations, infrastructure development, and community engagement that significantly advanced the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency efforts.
Upon assuming command, Major General Shuaibu focused on improving operational capacity within the theatre. He supervised the refurbishment and upgrade of critical military equipment, including ten VP1 Type 89 APCs, five BMPs, three Steyr APCs, six Camel MRAPs, and other vital hardware for units such as the 199 Special Forces Battalion and 25 Brigade. These efforts ensured the troops were adequately equipped for the 2024 dry season operations.
One of the notable achievements under his leadership was the successful deep clearance operations into the Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuktu Triangle in February 2024. These offensives disrupted terrorist strongholds and supply routes. The introduction of the Local Community Policing and Peace Enforcement (LCPPE) initiative between February 12 and 17, 2024, further enhanced collaboration with local communities and promoted peacebuilding in liberated areas.
During his tenure, the theatre recorded the neutralization of over 567 terrorists linked to both Boko Haram (JAS) and ISWAP factions. Troops recovered 492 assorted weapons, more than 10,714 rounds of ammunition, and several high-value items, including machine guns, rifles, and explosives. Communication gadgets such as 54 Baofeng radios and 332 mobile phones were also seized, disrupting the insurgents’ command and control systems.
In addition to these successes, more than 2,225 civilians were rescued from terrorist enclaves, while troops conducted over 9,800 patrols, 2,700 ambushes, and nearly 1,000 clearance and offensive operations. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Air Component carried out 232 missions across 230 sorties, amounting to 567 flight hours, providing critical air support to ground operations.
The Nigerian Air Force UAV Command also played a major role in intelligence gathering, executing 760 ISR missions totaling 6,674 flight hours. This real-time intelligence contributed to the arrest of over 161 terrorist logisticians and the surrender of 121,012 fighters and their family members — a significant milestone in the counter-insurgency campaign.
Theatre-wide operations such as Operation Desert Sanity III (February–June 2024) further degraded insurgent networks and supported stabilization initiatives. The successful resettlement of more than 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kukawa followed sustained stabilization efforts by troops.
Major General Shuaibu’s tenure also saw improvements in infrastructure within the theatre. These included the renovation and upgrade of the Headquarters JTF (NE) office complex, construction and furnishing of escort and drivers’ lounges, and the refurbishment of soldiers’ accommodation, all of which enhanced morale and operational efficiency.
He also promoted civil-military cooperation through initiatives such as a Quranic Recitation Competition aimed at fostering unity and spiritual resilience among troops and civilians. The command further organized IED awareness and detection courses for officers, as well as specialized weapon-handling training for Civil Defence personnel.
The theatre achieved significant breakthroughs in neutralizing key terrorist leaders, including Tahir Baga and Abu Rijal in May and September 2024, respectively. These targeted operations weakened insurgent leadership and disrupted their operational coordination.
In recognition of its achievements, the North East Theatre Command under Major General Shuaibu received the Security Watch Award in December 2024 as the most outstanding defence command in Africa. The command also implemented community-focused projects, including the construction of 30 two-bedroom Community Base Quarters and sponsorship of three participants from a Quranic recitation contest for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Additionally, the installation of long-range military surveillance cameras in strategic areas such as Monguno, Gajiram, and Kekeno improved situational awareness and response capabilities.
Following his tenure, Major General Waidi Shuaibu handed over command to Major General Abdulsalam Enesi Abubakar, who became the 15th Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai. The appointment has been widely commended in military and security circles.
Major General Abubakar brings a wealth of operational experience, having previously served as Commander Sector 3 OPHK and Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno, GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 OPHK Maiduguri, and GOC 3 Division/Commander Operation Safe Haven. His record in offensive operations, community engagement, and infrastructure development positions him to consolidate on existing gains in the fight against insurgency.
His leadership philosophy combines strong military strategy with humanitarian and community-focused approaches, aimed at ensuring sustained stability across the North East.
As Major General Abdulsalam Enesi Abubakar assumes command, stakeholders express optimism that his experience and operational insight will sustain the momentum achieved under Major General Waidi Shuaibu, and further strengthen Nigeria’s drive toward lasting peace and stability in the region.
