The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the ambush and subsequent execution of Brigadier General Muhammed Uba, commander of Nigeria’s 25th Task Force Brigade, near Wajiroko village in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The attack, which occurred late Friday, November 15, left four soldiers and two Civilian Joint Task Force members dead. According to security sources, Uba initially escaped the ambush and shared his location via WhatsApp, but was later recaptured after losing orientation in the forest. ISWAP released a propaganda video on Sunday showing his killing, following what the group described as “interrogation.”

The Nigerian Army initially dismissed reports of Uba’s capture as “fake news.” However, ISWAP’s Amaq channel published photos and a statement confirming the execution. Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele acknowledged the ambush but insisted on Saturday that Uba was safe. Theatre Commander Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar subsequently led rescue operations in Damboa and appointed Brig. Gen. Mustapha interim commander of the 26th Task Force Brigade.

The ambush targeted a convoy returning from patrol in Sambisa Forest and involved heavy gunfire. Reports indicate ISWAP deployed 10 watercraft in Toumbun Gini, but over 50 of its fighters were killed in the failed offensive, with seven boats seized by Nigerian forces.

Elsewhere, the 135 Special Forces Battalion foiled a Boko Haram ambush in Dutse Kura, rescuing 86 civilians and arresting 29 logistics suppliers with petrol and arms. In Mangada, 29 suspects were intercepted en route to Chilaria. The Nigerian Air Force also carried out strikes in Borno’s Northern Tumbuns, destroying ISWAP hideouts and neutralizing fighters on motorcycles and boats. Additional airstrikes in Kwara and Katsina targeted bandit enclaves and a kingpin, while reconnaissance missions in Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna yielded further neutralizations.

Air Force spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the operations, directed by Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, reflect sustained counter-terrorism efforts. No troop casualties were reported.

Borno remains the epicenter of Nigeria’s insurgency, with ISWAP escalating attacks even as the military intensifies operations. The killing of Brig. Gen. Uba underscores the continuing volatility in the northeast and raises fresh concerns about ISWAP’s capabilities amid heightened international scrutiny.