Security Crisis: ISWAP Kills Personnel, Army Confirms Casualties, Debunks General's Kidnapping
Nigerian security forces suffered casualties in an ISWAP ambush in Borno State, resulting in the death of two soldiers and two CJTF members. The Nigerian Army denied reports of the brigade commander's abduction, confirming his safe return after successfully battling the insurgents. This incident highlights the ongoing threat posed by ISWAP in the region.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of four security personnel—two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)—following an ambush by terrorists around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. The incident occurred on Friday, as troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade, led by Brigadier General M. Uba, were returning from a routine patrol around the fringes of the Sambisa Forest when they came under “sudden and heavy insurgents fire.”
Multiple reports from PREMIUM TIMES, HumAngle, and TheCable corroborated the attack, identifying the assailants as fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The convoy, which included two Hilux vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and several motorcycles, was ambushed along Biu road. During the intense gun duel, the troops “courageously fought through the insurgents ambush with superior fire power,” forcing the attackers to withdraw in disarray and abandon their mission, according to an army statement.
Initial reports circulated, including one from HumAngle, suggested that Brigade Commander M. Uba was kidnapped during the ambush. However, the Nigerian Army has vehemently denied these claims. In a social media statement issued on Saturday by army spokesperson Appolonia Anele (also referred to as Onyechi Anele, a lieutenant colonel), the army clarified that General Uba was not abducted. The statement confirmed that he battled the insurgents with superior firepower and subsequently led his troops back to the military base, having been reported missing for hours before returning on foot, described as an escape from the attackers.
While confirming the tragic loss of the four security personnel “who paid the supreme price,” the army commiserated with the families and associates of the deceased, praising their “heroic sacrifice to the nation.” The Army Headquarters specifically debunked the