Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Army has debunked viral reports circulating across several media platforms on Friday suggesting that a Brigadier-General was abducted during an ambush by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State.
Earlier today, some online outlets had claimed that ISWAP militants attacked a military convoy on Friday evening and whisked away a serving Brigade Commander alongside troops. However, fresh verified details obtained from military sources and security analyst investigation have now confirmed the claim to be entirely false.
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Join our WhatsApp ChannelAmbush Occurred in Daylight, Not at Night
Contrary to the time and sequence presented in initial online reports, the ambush occurred between 1330 and 1600 hours along the Main Supply Route (MSR) Burum–Kubua axis, near Azir/Wajiroko on the Damboa–Biu road in Damboa Local Government Area.
Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, operating with Hybrid Forces and Forest Guards, were returning from a routine patrol along the fringes of Sambisa Forest when insurgents linked to Ba Shuwa and Abu Qudama launched a deliberate ambush.
Two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Konto Alhaji and Garba Mohammed, were killed in action while supporting troops during the firefight.
Commander Led Troops Out of the Ambush
Initial confusion following the encounter led to rumours that the Brigade Commander was missing. The majority of personnel initially unaccounted for later returned to base safely.
Crucially, Brigade Commander Brigadier General M. Uba, who led the patrol team, successfully fought through the ambush with his troops and conducted a tactical withdrawal. At no point was he captured by terrorists.
To dispel circulating rumours, the Commander released a video message confirming he was alive, unharmed, and fully in command of his unit.
Army Headquarters Issues Clarification
In an official statement released by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed that the reports of a kidnapped Brigadier-General were fabricated and urged the public to disregard such narratives.
The Army also confirmed that two soldiers and two CJTF members “paid the supreme price” during the encounter, even as troops forced the insurgents to retreat in disarray.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops’ “uncommon bravery and resilience,” emphasising their continued service in one of the most volatile theatres of conflict.
Warning Against Spreading False Information
Security analysts and military authorities have advised media organisations and social platforms to verify sensitive security claims before publication, noting that unverified reports can undermine troop morale and distort ongoing operations.
The verified account now establishes that while an ambush did occur, the claims of a kidnapped Brigade Commander widely reported earlier in the day were false and misleading.
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.
