The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Doyle in Borno State, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, has been replaced by Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, military sources said yesterday.
Gen. Attahiru was appointed the theatre commander about six months ago, replacing Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor.
The shake-up underscores the fragility of the security situation in the Northeast, where the conflict with Boko Haram insurgents is in the ninth year, despite assertions by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration that it is on its last leg.
Gen. Attahiru is being replaced in the wake of a series of “embarrassing” attacks, two military sources said. They said the conduct of the war against the insurgents is being reviewed.
The attacks include the kidnapping of members of an oil prospecting team in July, where about 37 persons were killed, and deadly assault on Magumeri, Biu and Madagali, sources added.
A military spokesman declined to comment on Attahiru’s replacement. A presidential spokesman also declined comment.
Borno State Governor Ibrahim Shettima said the government’s long-term plan is to corral civilians in fortified garrison towns – effectively ceding the countryside to Boko Haram.
That plan and the spate of deadly attacks have raised questions about assertions by the government and military that Boko Haram has been wiped out, as well as doubts about Nigeria’s ability to retain its sovereign integrity in the Northeast.