Amanze Chinonye
Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for an ambush on a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State, saying its fighters killed Brigadier General M. Uba during the attack along the Damboa–Wajiroko road on Friday.
The insurgents reportedly opened heavy fire on a convoy of soldiers and operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) transporting military equipment when the ambush occurred. The attack triggered a fierce gun duel between the troops and the militants.
Initial reports following the ambush suggested that Brigadier General Uba, commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, had been abducted by the insurgents.
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However, the Nigerian Army dismissed the reports, insisting the senior officer neither fell into enemy hands nor sustained injury. The Army spokesperson, Onyechi Anele, said the brigadier general “battled the insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat and abandon their mission.
Anele said Uba led his men back to base after the encounter, while confirming the deaths of two soldiers and two CJTF members.
The brigade commander was also reported to have released a video statement after the incident, affirming that he was alive, unharmed and fully in control of his formation.
But ISWAP doubled down on its claim on Saturday. Reuters, quoting a statement posted on the group’s Amaq propaganda channel, reported that the militants said they captured and executed the brigadier general after the ambush.
According to the ISWAP account, its fighters launched a “sophisticated” and coordinated attack on the convoy.
The Nigerian Army has yet to respond to the ISWAP execution claim as independently verified details about Uba’s fate remain conflicting.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
