Terror shock rocks Nigerian military following an ambush in Borno State, with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) claiming it executed a top Nigerian Army Commander, Brigadier General M Uba.
While initial military reports suggested Brigadier General Uba had returned to base following a fierce encounter, the terrorist group has now released a statement alleging his capture and subsequent execution.
ISWAP stated this in a statement posted on its Amaq propaganda channel, claiming responsibility for the ambush and said it had executed the army officer identified as a brigade commander following an interrogation.
Also, sources quoted by media reports had revealed that Brigadier General M Uba was captured by ISWAP fighters but managed to escape from captivity.
The General was said to have earlier spoken with his superiors, confirming that he was safe following the operation and was regrouping with his team.
However, the officer’s communication appeared to have exposed his coordinates.
He was said to be recaptured alive while the terrorists interrogated him briefly before summarily executing him.
“The Brigadier General who was abducted managed to send his live location to colleagues,” a senior military source revealed.
“They traced it and found the spot, but there was no trace of him. It’s unclear if his phone died or was seized by the terrorists.”
Another source added that the abducted officer appeared to have access to his phone under duress.
“Even yesterday morning, he made a video call to his dry cleaner but warned him not to talk,” the source said.
Recall that the initial attack occurred on Friday night.
Uba and his men were in a convoy with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) near Sabon Gari in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday when members of the terrorist sect opened fire on them at about 5 pm.
Two soldiers and two members of the task force lost their lives in the ambush.
Following the incident, the military stated to discredit reports of Uba’s abduction. One of the earliest reports was published by HumAngle.
On Saturday, Appolonis Anele, the army’s director of public relations, issued a statement denying the abduction.
This statement read in part, “The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going around some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander. The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.”
Earlier reports had also revealed that a joint military operation was conducted to rescue Uba and his men.
During the operation, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft was said to have swiftly intervened to rescue ground troops who had come under heavy ambush by ISWAP terrorists.
The operation began when ground forces, led by the Brigadier General, advanced into the area, unaware that the route had been booby-trapped.
Following an intense exchange of gunfire, the sudden surge in terrorist numbers forced the commander to order a tactical withdrawal and issue a distress call for air support.
Meanwhile, the report has been generating reactions from Nigerians, with many wondering why the Nigerian military couldn’t act swiftly to safe Brigadier General Uba.
Below are some of the reactions;
