Brigade Commander in Borno killed after ISWAP abduction
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Brigadier General U. M. Uba, the Brigade Commander of Damboa in Borno State, who was killed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists after an intense manhunt.
According to military sources, Gen. Uba had earlier appeared in a video sent to his colleagues, stating that he was safe after an initial encounter with terrorists. The footage, widely shared among troops, showed the commander assuring them he was unhurt and attempting to make his way out of the forest.
However, after several hours, the senior officer reportedly became disoriented while navigating the dense terrain. Ground and air components of the military launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, maintaining contact with him as he moved through the bush.
Gen. Uba had also communicated to his troops that he was making efforts to return to his base. But according to official accounts, the situation took a tragic turn after reports of his abduction became public, enabling ISWAP fighters to re-capture him before rescue teams could reach his location.
The terrorists subsequently killed the commander.
His death has sparked shock and grief within military circles, given his reputation as a committed and courageous officer leading counterterrorism operations in one of the region’s most volatile corridors.
The Nigerian Army is expected to release a full statement on the incident, while operations continue in the area to neutralize the terrorist cell responsible for the attack.
