Following strings of recent insurgency attacks, the Nigerian Army has replaced  the theatre commander leading the fight against Boko Haram, Ibrahim Attahiru after just half a year in charge.

Major General Rogers Nicholas will take his position as the head of the theatre operation against the Islamist terrorist group.

Attahiru’s replacement is part of a military shake up which underscores the fragile nature of the security situation in the north-eastern part of Nigeria, where the battle with the insurgent group is in its ninth year.

There has been series of embarrassing attacks on military barracks and outposts under Attahiru’s watch even as the military says the war against the insurgents is now being reviewed.

The attacks which occurred during Attahiru’s command included the kidnapping of members of an oil prospecting team in Maiduguri in July which led to the death of at least 37 persons and numerous deadly assaults on the towns of Biu, Madagali and Magumeri which have also claimed many innocent lives.