In a chilling escalation of the ongoing insurgency in Nigeria’s Northeast, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has released graphic footage confirming the capture and execution of Brigadier General Muhammed Uba, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Borno State. The terrorist group claims responsibility for an ambush on his military convoy that occurred on Friday, November 14, 2025, along the Damboa–Wajiroko axis, resulting in the deaths of at least two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The attack highlights the persistent security challenges in the region, with ISWAP demonstrating advanced tactics, including possible drone surveillance, to overpower Nigerian forces.
The Nigerian Army initially refuted reports of General Uba’s abduction in a statement issued on November 15 by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele. The statement described the incident as a repelled terrorist ambush, acknowledging the loss of “two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members” but firmly denying any high-ranking officer was captured. However, ISWAP countered this narrative by disseminating images and a video through its propaganda channels, including the Amaq News Agency, showing the general in captivity before his beheading. The footage, which has circulated widely on social media, depicts the execution in graphic detail, with the terrorists displaying Uba’s military identification tags as proof.
Public reaction has been one of outrage and despair, with many Nigerians questioning the government’s handling of the insurgency. On X (formerly Twitter), users expressed frustration over the military’s initial denial, which they argue eroded public trust. One post lamented, “Nigeria is falling Nigerian army denied this earlier but ISWAP released images later on,” garnering significant engagement. Another highlighted the broader implications: “ISWAP, the Boko Haram faction, Confirmed Killing the Nigeria Army General, Mr Uba. ISWAP boosted, they have all the intelligent information in Nigeria Armed Forces.” Calls for international intervention have intensified, with several posts tagging U.S. President Donald Trump and rapper Nicki Minaj, who is set to address the United Nations on the persecution of Nigerian Christians amid rising terrorist activities.
Human rights activist Hamza N. Dantani Esq. penned an open letter condemning the silence from political leaders and the public, drawing parallels to recent incidents of disrespect toward security personnel, such as the viral confrontation between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Naval Lieutenant A.M. Yerima in Abuja. “We have recently witnessed instances of public disrespect toward security personnel, yet when one of their highest-ranking officers dies in battle, the reaction is muted,” Dantani wrote, urging greater national unity and support for the armed forces.
While the attack is centered in Borno State, far from the Niger Delta, security experts warn of potential ripple effects. ISWAP’s growing boldness could inspire similar groups in other regions, including oil militants in the Delta, where economic sabotage like illegal refining persists despite recent military crackdowns. The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division recently destroyed 11 illegal refineries and arrested 50 suspects in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, underscoring the need for a unified national strategy against all forms of insurgency.
As of November 18, no official retaliation from the Nigerian military has been announced, though airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force reportedly assisted in repelling the initial ambush. The incident comes amid broader national insecurity, including recent school abductions in Kebbi and bandit raids in Niger State, fueling demands for a state of emergency in affected areas.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has yet to comment publicly on the execution. Critics, including opposition figures, have labeled the security situation under his leadership as “the worst,” pointing to unchecked terrorist expansions controlling significant northern territories.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerian troops and the urgent need for enhanced intelligence, resources, and international cooperation to combat terrorism. The Niger Delta Herald extends condolences to the families of General Uba and the fallen soldiers, and calls for accountability to restore faith in Nigeria’s security apparatus.
