Nigeria Army Lied As Brig-Gen M. Uba Involved in ISWAP Ambush Still Missing , Possibly Killed By the Terrorist

Nigeria Army Lied As Brig-Gen M. Uba Involved in ISWAP Ambush Still Missing , Possibly Killed By the Terrorist 

17th November 2025

Fresh details have emerged on the killing of a senior Nigerian Army commander, Brigadier General M. Uba, after Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents allegedly intercepted and tracked his live coordinates along the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State.

Multiple top-ranking military sources confirmed to Glintnews that the tragic development occurred just hours after the Brigade Commander participated in a major joint air–ground offensive that dislodged ISWAP fighters from a strategic hideout in the area.

According to intelligence sources, Brig-Gen Uba had contacted his superiors shortly after the operation, assuring them that he was secure and regrouping with his team. However, that communication reportedly exposed his location to the terrorists, who swiftly moved in.

The commander was captured alive, interrogated briefly, and later executed by the insurgents.

Earlier on Friday, troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade, led by Brig-Gen Uba, advanced into a heavily booby-trapped route without prior knowledge of ISWAP’s strengthened presence. A fierce gun battle ensued, prompting the commander to order a tactical withdrawal and send a distress call.

Responding rapidly, Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft diverted from ongoing missions to provide close air support, delivering precise strikes that allowed troops—and the commander—to escape the ambush.

However, as Glintnews earlier reported, ISWAP reinforcements regrouped, ambushed the convoy later that night, and abducted the Brigade Commander alongside other soldiers. Two troops and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed in the initial attack.

Senior security officials told Glintnews that Brig-Gen Uba managed to send his live location shortly after he was taken. Troops deployed to the coordinates found no trace of him.

“Even yesterday morning, he made a video call to his dry cleaner but warned him not to talk,” a military source revealed, suggesting the officer had limited access to his phone under duress.

One soldier who was shot during the ambush but abandoned by the terrorists was later rescued. However, the commander and two others remained missing until credible intelligence emerged Saturday night indicating he had been executed.

In the wake of the crisis, top military commanders—including the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar—arrived in Damboa to coordinate rescue efforts and boost troop morale.

A new commander, Brigadier General Mustapha, has now been appointed to oversee the 26 Task Force Brigade, pending further confirmation from Army Headquarters.

As Glintnews previously reported, ISWAP’s coordinated ambush on the military convoy marks one of the deadliest attacks on Nigerian troops in recent months. The terrorists, heavily armed and tactically organised, struck with precision, heightening tensions across the region.

Troops involved in the rescue mission have since been withdrawn, even as top defence officials continue to assess the evolving situation.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow on Glintnews.