FIGHTERS of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Friday staged a deadly ambush on a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State, killing soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and temporarily leaving a serving military General missing in action.
News Point Nigeria reports that the attack, which occurred around 5pm near Sabon Gari along the Damboa–Biu highway, targeted a mixed security convoy made up of troops and CJTF operatives escorting personnel and equipment through one of the most volatile routes in the northeast.
Multiple security and local sources confirmed to HumAngle and News Point Nigeria that ISWAP fighters, concealed in the bush lines along the route, opened intense fire as the convoy approached, sparking a fierce firefight.
A CJTF member stationed in Nzula said the terrorists killed at least four soldiers and over half a dozen CJTF personnel, while also carting away several motorcycles belonging to the security forces.
A Damboa resident, familiar with the convoy’s movement, said it had departed Damboa town around 2pm with two Hilux vans, two armoured personnel carriers, and multiple motorcycles before running into the ambush.
“Reinforcement later moved from Damboa, two Hilux and two armoured vehicles after we got news of the attack,” he added.
The most unsettling development from the incident was the disappearance of a serving Brigade Commander, a General who was leading the operation.
A senior CJTF member who witnessed the convoy’s departure confirmed to News Point Nigeria that the commander was missing after the ambush, sparking widespread concern within security circles.
“For hours, nobody knew where he was. But he has responded to WhatsApp messages a few hours ago,” the source said.
If the abduction had been confirmed, it would have marked the first time in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency campaign that a serving General was captured directly from the battlefield by insurgets.
As of press time, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement.
Attempts to reach the Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele, were unsuccessful.
News Point Nigeria continues to track developments and will provide updates as more details emerge.