The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has released a statement claiming responsibility for the kidnapping and killing of Brigadier General M. Uba, commander of the Nigerian Army’s 25 Task Force Brigade, in what appears to be one of the most significant attacks on the military in recent years.
According to ISWAP’s media outlet, Al-Amaq, the senior officer was ambushed along the Damboa–Biu road in Borno State during a routine patrol. The group alleged that the general sustained injuries while attempting to flee, was subsequently captured, interrogated, and later executed. The insurgent group also circulated photos purportedly showing his capture, intensifying public concern over the incident.
The Nigerian Army, however, has denied reports of the general’s abduction or death, insisting that although troops were indeed ambushed, Brig. Gen. Uba “led his men back to base safely.” The Army confirmed the deaths of two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force during the attack but dismissed claims that the commander was taken hostage.
Despite the denial, multiple local and international outlets have reported ISWAP’s claim, prompting widespread reactions. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the development as “disturbing and deeply troubling,” urging the federal government to urgently strengthen intelligence and frontline operations.
Security analysts say that if ISWAP’s version is confirmed, it would mark one of the rare instances where a serving brigadier general has been captured and killed by insurgents, signalling a worrying escalation in the decade-long conflict in the North-East.
As military operations intensify around Damboa, the nation awaits official clarification on the fate of Brig. Gen. Uba. Meanwhile, public concern continues to grow over the resilience and evolving capabilities of ISWAP in the region.
