ISWAP Executes Nigerian Brigadier General After Ambush as Army Faces Backlash Over Alleged False Claims

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Brigadier General M. Uba dominated public conversation on Tuesday after Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists released photos confirming they had captured and executed the serving senior officer — directly contradicting the Nigerian Army’s earlier claim that he had “returned home safely.”

The tragic incident began on Friday, November 15, when troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade were ambushed near Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa, Borno State, while returning from a routine patrol around the Sambisa axis after a successful joint air–ground operation. ISWAP fighters reportedly opened heavy fire on the convoy, killing two soldiers and two Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members and scattering the formation.

Brigadier General Uba, who led the patrol team, was separated from his men during the gun battle and fled into the forest.

Shortly after, news began circulating that ISWAP had killed the commander. In response, the Nigerian Army swiftly dismissed the reports, insisting BG Uba had made it safely back to base.

But ISWAP countered the Army’s statement on Monday by publishing photo evidence and issuing a detailed account accusing the military of “lying to Nigerians.”

According to the terror group, their ambush was not specifically targeted at Uba’s convoy but was positioned for any passing military formation. After the initial attack, the insurgents said they learned the Brigade Commander had escaped with a gunshot wound to the leg, prompting them to mobilise and comb nearby villages. He was reportedly located on Saturday morning, captured, interrogated, and executed.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama further revealed that while the Army publicly announced the commander’s safe return, General Uba was still hiding in the forest, communicating with his base through WhatsApp and sharing his live location for evacuation. He even recorded a proof-of-life video before ISWAP fighters eventually reached him ahead of rescue teams.

Zagazola added that Uba’s troops had tactically withdrawn from the ambush and later regrouped, managing to return safely to base — but their commander never made it back.

The conflicting narratives have triggered nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians calling the incident a “major indictment” of the military’s communication practices and broader counterterrorism strategy.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Presidency has issued a new statement addressing ISWAP’s claims or clarifying the true sequence of events.

The death of Brigadier General Uba marks one of the most serious battlefield losses for the Nigerian military in recent years, heightening concerns over operational vulnerabilities in the North-East and deteriorating trust between citizens and security institutions.