The Nigerian Army has refuted circulating claims that ISWAP fighters kidnapped Brigadier General M. Uba, the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, calling the online reports entirely untrue.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, urged Nigerians to ignore the rumour, stressing that it was only meant to create fear. She clarified that the commander was never seized by terrorists and returned safely from the mission.
The Army did, however, confirm that two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were killed after troops were ambushed near Wajiroko in Damboa LGA, Borno State. The security team had been conducting a routine patrol to protect nearby communities when they were attacked while heading back from the outskirts of Sambisa Forest.
Anele explained that the patrol unit, which included Brig.-Gen. Uba, soldiers of the 25 Task Force Brigade, and CJTF operatives, put up strong resistance and eventually forced the insurgents to withdraw.
She noted, “Sadly, two soldiers and two CJTF members paid the supreme price while serving the nation,” and added that the Army’s leadership has extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, praising their courage and sacrifice.