The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Brig. Gen. M. Uba, Commander of 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Borno State, was killed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists following his capture in Sambisa Forest.
The senior officer was ambushed alongside his convoy on November 14 along the Burum–Kubua axis of the Damboa–Biu road.
After fighting through the initial attack, Gen. Uba successfully maneuvered out of the kill zone and took temporary cover inside the forest.
From his concealed position, the Brigade Commander recorded and sent a video via WhatsApp to the Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, confirming he was alive and unharmed.
In the footage, which was widely shared in the hours that followed, he stated clearly that he was okay and provided his live location to facilitate rescue.
Ground troops and air assets were immediately deployed. Gen. Uba informed the rescue teams that he had regained his bearings and was making his way back to base on foot.
Tragically, viral social media reports falsely claiming he had been abducted reached terrorist networks inside Sambisa Forest.
The widespread publicity turned the commander into a high-value target, alerting ISWAP cells who intensified their search.Hours later, while still attempting to link up with friendly forces, Gen. Uba lost orientation in the dense forest and was recaptured by the terrorists.
Military sources confirmed on Monday afternoon that Brig. Gen. M. Uba was subsequently killed by his captors.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, and the Chief of Army Staff have been briefed. An official statement from the Nigerian Army is expected shortly.
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