THE Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed that it executed Brigadier-General Musa Uba, Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, after a deadly ambush on a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State, a claim that directly contradicts the Nigerian Army’s earlier dismissal of reports that the senior officer had been abducted.
News Point Nigeria reports that the terrorists made the claim on Monday through a statement released on their Amaq propaganda channel, alleging that the senior officer was captured alive and executed after interrogation.
The attack occurred late Friday near Sabon Gari along the volatile Damboa–Biu highway, one of the most dangerous routes in the insurgency-ravaged Borno state.
Security and local sources told News Point Nigeria that ISWAP fighters concealed in the foliage opened heavy fire as the convoy approached Wajiroko, sparking a fierce gunfight.
The mixed-security convoy consisted of soldiers, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) personnel, two Hilux vans, two armoured personnel carriers, and several motorcycles.
A CJTF fighter in Nzula said: “The terrorists killed at least four soldiers and more than seven CJTF members. They also escaped with several of our motorcycles.”
Another resident familiar with convoy movements said the team had departed Damboa around 2pm before running into the ambush.
Reinforcements were deployed quickly from Damboa in two Hilux vans and two armoured vehicles, but the damage had already been done.
The most troubling development was the disappearance of Brigadier-General Uba, who led the patrol team. For several hours, he was unaccounted for, as confirmed by multiple security sources and CJTF personnel.
A senior CJTF operative told News Point Nigeria: “Nobody knew where the General was for hours. There was confusion. Later, we heard he responded to WhatsApp messages.”
It was during this period of uncertainty that rumours circulated online that the officer had been kidnapped.
In its official statement, the Nigerian Army confirmed that troops were ambushed while returning from a successful mission in the Sambisa Forest.
Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said troops fought back with “superior firepower” and forced the terrorists to retreat.
The Army confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF operatives were killed, with several others wounded.
Anele condemned circulating reports alleging the General’s abduction as “fake news,” urging the public to disregard “misleading narratives.”
The Army High Command also praised the troops for their bravery: “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, salutes their uncommon bravery and sacrifice in keeping Nigeria safe.”
Despite the military denial, ISWAP released its own version of events hours later, claiming responsibility for the ambush and alleging that Brig Gen Uba had been captured alive and later executed.
The terror group published images purporting to support its claim, though the Nigerian military has not yet authenticated or responded officially to the materials released.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reacted strongly to the ISWAP claim and the confusion surrounding the General’s fate.
In a statement posted on X late Monday, he said: “I am deeply saddened and extremely shocked by the killing of Brig Gen Musa Uba and the failure of the military hierarchy to clearly explain what happened.
This is, for me, unequivocally a failure of political leadership. The President seems more interested in decimating the opposition than his role as Commander-in-Chief.”
He added: “Gen Musa’s death is one too many, a bold terrorist resurgence we cannot afford.
If I was President, I would order the military to occupy Borno or any state under siege until the terrorists are cleared.”
Atiku extended condolences to the family of the deceased officer and the Nigerian Armed Forces, urging the nation to “take heart” during what he described as a dark moment.