Nigeria names new commander to lead operations against Boko Haram

Nigeria has appointed a new commander to lead military operations against Boko Haram and its Islamic State-backed splinter faction in the northeast, replacing the head of the operation less than two years after his appointment, an army spokesperson said on Wednesday.

The change was part of a wider military shake-up involving 14 other generals, which the army said was aimed at improving operational effectiveness, strengthening leadership and aligning command structures with Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, spokesperson Appolonia Anele said in a statement.

The appointment comes ahead of presidential elections due in January, with insecurity remaining a major concern after years of insurgent violence, banditry and kidnappings across parts of the country.