The Commander of the 25 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General M. Uba, has been confirmed dead after Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists ambushed his patrol team in Wajiroko, Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State — a development that contradicts earlier military denials.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued Saturday by Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anaele, acknowledged that two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) “paid the supreme price” in the ambush.
However, the statement firmly refuted earlier reports suggesting that the Brigade Commander had been killed or abducted, insisting at the time that no such incident occurred.
But credible sources and fresh evidence indicate a grim reality.
According to field reports, Brigadier General Uba sustained gunshot injuries during the fierce gun battle and initially managed to lead his men out of the ambush. While retreating toward base, terrorists reportedly pursued, overpowered, and captured him alive.
The Army had earlier dismissed reports of his capture, relying on intelligence inputs suggesting he had successfully escaped the encounter.
The terrorists, however, later confirmed his capture and subsequent execution.
In a statement released by the Boko Haram/ISWAP faction, the group said:
“By the grace of God Almighty, the soldiers of the Caliphate were able to capture a ‘Brigade Commander’ in the apostate Nigerian Army the day before yesterday after he fled from an ambush set up by the Mujahideen on Friday near the town of Wajiroko in the Borno region.”
They added:
“After interrogating him, the Mujahideen killed him with their weapons and returned safely.”
A disturbing photograph obtained by LEADERSHIP shows the senior officer with his hands tied in an undisclosed location, confirming that he was captured alive before being executed.
As of press time, the Nigerian military has not issued any update addressing the terrorists’ claims or the image circulating online. The Army has also not refuted the latest reports, raising concerns and questions about the accuracy of earlier official statements.
The killing of Brigadier General Uba marks one of the most devastating losses for the Nigerian military in recent years and underscores the continued threat posed by Boko Haram/ISWAP in the North-East.
