Troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade, led by Brigadier General M. Uba, survived a fierce terrorist ambush on Thursday while returning from a routine patrol or clearance mission around Wajiroko in the Azir-Multe axis of Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State. The incident occurred near the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold for insurgents.

The patrol team, comprising Nigerian Army personnel and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), came under heavy fire from the attackers. Reports indicate the convoy, which departed Damboa around 2 pm, consisted of two Hilux vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and several motorcycles. The troops, demonstrating superior firepower and resilience, successfully repelled the ambush, forcing the terrorists—identified as both Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in various accounts—to flee in disarray and abandon their mission.

Despite the successful breakout, the confrontation resulted in tragic losses. Two soldiers and two CJTF members were killed in the encounter, described by the Nigerian Army as brave and heroic personnel who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. The Army High Command has since commiserated with the families of the fallen fighters, praising their courage and commitment.

Following the ambush, viral online reports surfaced alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. M. Uba. The Nigerian Army, through statements issued by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, swiftly dismissed these claims as "fake news," urging the public to disregard false narratives circulated by unverified media platforms. However, it was confirmed that Brigadier General Uba had indeed gone missing for several hours during the attack before he ultimately returned to his base on foot. This narrow escape marked a significant and alarming event, as it is reportedly the first instance since the launch of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency campaign that a serving General directly involved on the frontline has gone missing, even briefly, during an ambush.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, commended the frontline troops for their uncommon bravery, resilience, and commitment in the face of grave danger. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the military’s unwavering determination to sustain aggressive counterterrorism operations against insurgents terrorizing communities across Borno State and the North-East.

This incident raises serious concerns about the growing sophistication of ISWAP attacks and the increasing dangers faced by senior officers deployed to volatile regions. Damboa and its surrounding communities have recently experienced a spate of insurgent activities, including repeated attacks on patrol teams, ambushes on rural roads, and raids on farming settlements, underscoring the persistent security challenges in the area.