Nigeria has named a new commander to lead military operations against insurgents in the country’s northeast following a recent spike in deadly attacks that have claimed the lives of both civilians and soldiers.

Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar has been appointed as the 15th officer to head the counter-insurgency efforts targeting Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), according to a statement from the operation’s spokesperson, Reuben Kovangiya.

Abubakar previously served as the deputy commandant of the Nigerian Defence College and led a major security initiative in north-central Nigeria.

In recent weeks, both Boko Haram and ISWAP have intensified their assaults in the region, raising alarm among analysts about the groups regaining strength. Security experts have pointed to the militants’ evolving tactics, including the use of weaponized drones and roadside explosives.

Earlier this week, ISWAP claimed responsibility for a deadly strike in Borno State that left at least 26 people dead. The group announced its Telegram channel.

These insurgent groups have waged a prolonged conflict in northeastern Nigeria for more than 15 years, frequently using improvised explosive devices against both military personnel and civilians.

Although the military has not officially connected the leadership change to the increase in violence, Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation. Speaking to military leaders earlier this month, he warned that the region appears to be losing control due to the almost daily attacks and kidnappings.