Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters say they have killed M. Uba, a brigadier general, after ambushing a convoy of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members in Borno state.
The attack occurred on Friday along Damboa Road near Wajiroko, where the troops were transporting military equipment.
During the incident, the ISWAP fighters reportedly opened fire on the convoy, triggering an exchange of gunfire between the insurgents and the troops.
The attackers seized at least 17 military motorcycles, while two CJTF operatives and two soldiers lost their lives in the confrontation.
Reports initially circulated that Uba had been abducted during the ambush.
However, Onyechi Anele, the army spokesperson, dismissed the claims on Saturday, asserting that the brigadier general fought off the “insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower,” causing them to retreat and abandon their operation.
According to her, Uba successfully led the troops back to base, though two CJTF members and two soldiers were killed in the clash.
Uba was also said to have released a video message stating he was alive, unhurt, and firmly in control.
Despite this, Reuters has reported that the general was later executed by the terrorist group after being captured. The news agency cited a statement on ISWAP’s Amaq propaganda channel in which the group took responsibility for the ambush.