MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of Brigadier General Uba, the Brigade Commander of Damboa, who was killed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters after being reported missing for several hours during an operation in the forested areas of Borno State.
Military sources said the senior officer had earlier recorded a video message assuring colleagues that he was safe.
“He was okay,” one source said, noting that the video appeared to have been made before his condition deteriorated.
According to those familiar with the situation, the commander later became disoriented while attempting to navigate through the forest on his way back to base.
Ground troops and air assets launched repeated search-and-rescue attempts after losing contact with him.
The officer had reportedly informed colleagues that he was close to returning, raising hopes that he would be recovered swiftly.
However, ISWAP militants re-captured him following widespread reports of his abduction.
His death was confirmed shortly thereafter, marking one of the most significant losses for the Nigerian military in recent months.
The Army had initially announced that the commander had returned safely to base, a claim now contradicted by the latest confirmation of his death.
The discrepancy has triggered sharp questions about transparency within the military hierarchy and the welfare of frontline personnel battling insurgent groups in the northeast.
Security analysts say the incident underscores the persistent dangers faced by troops operating in remote terrain where communication failures and rapid militant movement complicate rescue efforts.
The commander’s death also highlights ISWAP’s continued capacity to target high-ranking officers despite intensified military operations in the region.
General Uba had been overseeing counterinsurgency efforts in Damboa, an area long affected by extremist violence.
His loss is expected to have operational and morale implications for forces stationed across Borno State.
The Nigerian Army has yet to provide further detail on the circumstances of his final hours or clarify why an earlier announcement of his return to base was issued.
