RT.com
18 Nov 2025, 15:46 GMT+10
The country's military earlier denied the abduction and killing of officer M. Uba by militants as a "fake narrative"
Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants have claimed that they captured and executed a Nigerian brigadier general during a deadly ambush on a military convoy in the country's troubled northeastern Borno State.
Last week, the Nigerian Army said a convoy led by Brigadier-General M. Uba of the 25 Task Force Brigade came under "sudden and heavy insurgents fire" while returning from a patrol near Wajiroko late on Friday.
According to the military, two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed in the encounter. It denied that Gen. Uba was captured by the militants during the attack, dismissing circulating reports as a "fake narrative."
The ISWAP's claims were carried in a statement published by its affiliate Al Amaq news agency on Monday. The group called the army's denial an "outright lie," AP reported. Reuters also said the militants claimed responsibility for the ambush and stated that it killed the army officer following an interrogation.
ISWAP emerged in 2016 after a split with Boko Haram, triggered by ideological and leadership disputes. Boko Haram's leader at the time, Abubakar Shekau, was criticized by Islamic State's central command for indiscriminate attacks on Muslim civilians. He was replaced by Abu Musab al-Barnawi, prompting a division between the factions.
Violence linked to the insurgent groups has continued to destabilize Nigeria's northeast, displacing millions and claiming thousands of lives.
This year alone, suspected ISWAP fighters have repeatedly targeted military positions in Borno, including a January raid that killed at least 20 soldiers at an army base in Malam Fatori. Last month, four soldiers were killed and five wounded when troops repelled a coordinated attack by Islamist insurgents in Ngamdu. In March, the jihadists mounted coordinated attacks on bases in Wajiroko and Wulgo near the Cameroon border.
Africa's most populous country has long struggled to contain insecurity fueled by terrorist groups and criminal gangs. In a separate incident on Monday, gunmen stormed a government girls' boarding school in northwestern Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and abducting about 25 female students.
Get a daily dose of Nigeria Sun news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Nigeria Sun.
More InformationKYIV, Ukraine: As Russia's renewed strikes on Ukraine's energy system trigger rolling blackouts ahead of winter, a major embezzlement...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The United States on November 13 designated four groups in Germany, Italy, and Greece as global terrorists, accusing...
NEW DELHI, India: With air pollution choking New Delhi this week, India's Supreme Court has advised lawyers to avoid in-person appearances...
JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing an election year, has doubled down on his decades-long opposition to...
SEOUL/WASHINGTON, D.C.: South Korea will invest US$350 billion in U.S. industry and receive approval to build nuclear-powered submarines,...
FRANKFURT, Germany: An aggressive crackdown by the German police has led to just 115 ATM explosions so far this year, compared with...
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: South Africa's largest mobile operator, Vodacom Group, has signed a deal with Elon Musk's Starlink to provide...
SHARJAH, 18th November, 2025 (WAM) -- Nama Women Advancement (NAMA) has announced the launch of the Nthanda Women Mushrooms Project...
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 18 (ANI): The curtains came down on the 28th FMSCI National Racing Championship at the Kari...
By Swapnanil Chatterjee Dubai [UAE], November 18 (ANI): The Russian Sukhoi Su-57 and Kamov Ka-52 attack helicopter showcased aerobatic...
(251118) -- JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 18, 2025 (Xinhua) -- South African International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola speaks...
China and African nations, including Zambia, are fellow travelers on the road to modernization. China stands ready to enhance governance...
