Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed it killed Brigadier General M. Uba after ambushing a military convoy on Damboa Road near Wajiroko, Borno State.
The ambush occurred on Friday as troops and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives were transporting military equipment. ISWAP fighters reportedly opened fire on the convoy, sparking a fierce gun battle.
The insurgents seized at least 17 military motorcycles, while two CJTF operatives and two soldiers were confirmed dead.
Initial reports suggested the brigadier general had been abducted. The Nigerian Army swiftly rejected the claims on Saturday, with spokesperson Onyechi Anele insisting that Uba fought off the ambush with “superior firepower” before leading his men back to base. Uba also appeared in a video, saying he was alive and in full command.
But a Reuters report now says ISWAP has executed the senior officer after capturing him, citing a statement released via the group’s Amaq propaganda channel.
The development, if confirmed, marks a major escalation in the group’s attacks on military targets in the north-east.
