In a devastating development from Nigeria's northeast, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants have confirmed the execution of senior Nigerian Army commander Brigadier General Musa Uba. The execution follows a violent ambush that occurred in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Contradictory Narratives
The Nigerian Army had initially denied reports of the commander's abduction following the November 14, 2025 ambush. Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, issued a statement on November 15 insisting that Brigadier General Uba had successfully led troops back to base after the attack.
According to the military's initial account, the joint military and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) convoy came under sudden and heavy insurgent fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest. The army claimed their team courageously fought through the ambush with superior firepower, forcing the insurgents to withdraw in disarray.
The Tragic Outcome Emerges
Contrary to the army's official statement, ISWAP claimed responsibility for the ambush through its Amaq propaganda channel. The terrorist group stated they had executed the senior army officer following an interrogation.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama provided confirmation of the tragic development, sharing a photo showing the commander in ISWAP custody with a gunshot wound to the leg. Makama revealed that before his final capture, the Brigade Commander had made a video stating he was okay and attempting to return to base.
The troops, both ground and air, made several efforts to rescue the commander who had communicated he was on his way back to his base. Unfortunately, after several hours, he lost orientation within the forest and was re-captured by the terrorists after viral reports of his abduction circulated.
Casualties and Aftermath
The initial ambush along Biu Road resulted in significant casualties. During the encounter, two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation.
The team comprised troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The army headquarters had earlier debunked what they called the fake narrative circulating on some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander.
This incident represents a significant blow to counter-insurgency operations in the region and highlights the ongoing security challenges in northeastern Nigeria despite years of military engagement against terrorist groups.
