Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed it killed Brigadier General M. Uba during Friday’s deadly ambush on a military convoy in Borno State, a claim that directly contradicts the Nigerian Army’s denial.
The New Diplomat had reported that attack occurred along Damboa–Wajiroko Road as troops and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives were transporting military equipment. ISWAP fighters reportedly opened fire on the convoy, sparking a fierce gun duel.
At least 17 military motorcycles were seized in the attack, while two CJTF members and two soldiers were killed, according to local security sources.
Initial reports also suggested that Brigadier General Uba, who led the convoy, had been abducted by the insurgents. But the Nigerian Army swiftly dismissed the claim.
Army spokesperson, Onyechi Anele, said on Saturday that the general “fought through the insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower,” forcing the attackers to retreat. She insisted that Uba returned safely to base and remained in full command of his troops.
The brigadier general also appeared in a video circulated later, declaring he was alive and unharmed.
However, in a conflicting claim, Reuters reported on Sunday that ISWAP said it had captured and executed the senior officer. The international news agency cited a statement posted on the group’s Amaq propaganda channel, where the terrorists claimed responsibility for the ambush and asserted that they killed the general.
The Nigerian Army has yet to respond to ISWAP’s latest claim, leaving the situation marked by sharply competing narratives.
