The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists are said to have confirmed the death of Brigadier General U. Uba, the 25 Brigade Commander of Damboa.
Zagazola Makama claims that the Brigade Commander recorded a video indicating that he was fine prior to his tragic capture. Sadly, after a few hours, he lost his bearings in the wilderness.
“The Commander informed them that he was on his way back to his base, so the forces, both air and ground, made multiple attempts to save him. Zagazola Makama wrote on X on Monday, “Unfortunately, he was recaptured by the terrorists after a viral report of his abduction went viral.”
Zagazola Makama added more information, writing: “Confusion quickly spread both on the ground and on social media in the chaotic hours following the ISWAP ambush along the Burum–Kubua axis of the Damboa–Biu route. Brig. Gen. M. Uba, the Brigade Commander, took temporary refuge inside the forest shortly after the engagement when he and his men had strategically moved out of the death zone.
He communicated with the Theatre Commander from that hidden location, using a video Watssap call to ensure his safety and provide evidence of life. Additionally, he reported his live location using Wattssap, which prompted Operation HADIN KAI’s air and ground soldiers to launch a rescue mission.
However, social media platforms were inundated with dramatic claims before official channels could provide correct facts. The bogus claim that ISWAP had kidnapped a Brigade Commander was made by a number of blogs and influencers, and because of its shock value, the story quickly went viral.
“There was a wildfire of information that followed. The terrorists, who at first had no situational awareness of the Commander’s movement, became more aware as the narrative spread. He became the most sought-after “golden fish” in the Sambisa axis due to media amplification, which caused ISWAP cells connected to Ba Shuwa and Abu Qudama to step up their pursuit of a target they never really had.
Because of the misreporting, troops had to deal with the pressure from the media while recovering and reorganizing, which added needless operational weight. Additionally, it increased public fear and briefly interfered with accurate battlefield communication.
“At the time of the story, Zagazola said the viral accusations were completely untrue. According to verified stories, the Commander himself issued a video that proved he was alive, uninjured, and in complete control.
Regretfully, Gen. Uba’s cell phone stopped working, and he was not discovered at the live location he had originally given. After leading the troops to Azir, the Theatre Commander himself spent nearly a whole day looking for the Commander.
Ultimately, while trying to find a route out of the terrorist-infested woodland, the Brigade Commander was abducted again.
“This incident demonstrated a persistent problem in conflict reporting: how information can put personnel in danger and unintentionally help hostile groups by giving them operational clues.”
Recall that numerous soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, or CJTF, were killed on Friday when ISWAP terrorists assaulted a Nigerian military convoy during the night.
In Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, the commander had led soldiers of the 25 Brigade Task Force on a normal patrol to protect the communities surrounding Wajiroko.
Armed with advanced weaponry, the rebels allegedly conducted a concerted attack on the convoy, resulting in numerous casualties and creating new anxiety among the northeastern region’s towns.
During the attack, the terrorists allegedly kidnapped a serving Brigade Commander together with other military members in an unprecedented incident.
According to HumAngle’s account, ISWAP rebels killed multiple troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) when they assaulted a Nigerian military convoy last night.
“A Brigade Commander and other soldiers were kidnapped by the rebels in an unprecedented escalation.”
However, the Nigerian Army refuted claims that the rebels had abducted Brig.-Gen. U. Uba, the commander of the 25 Brigade.
In a statement released on Saturday, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, acknowledged that the forces encountered unexpected and intense insurgent fire on their way back after a successful patrol in the Sambisa Forest’s perimeter.
According to the army spokesperson, the team bravely used superior firepower to fight through the terrorists’ ambush, forcing them to abandon their purpose and retreat in confusion.
According to her, the group included members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and soldiers from the 25 Task Force Brigade.
Two courageous soldiers and two valiant members of the CJTF gave their lives in the battle while serving their country.
“The Army Headquarters also wants to refute the false story circulating on various internet media outlets that claims the Brigade Commander was kidnapped.
“The public is hereby advised to pray for the ongoing success of our gallant servicemen and women while ignoring the fake news regarding the incident,” she stated.
