ISWAP Terrorists Attack Nigerian Army Convoy In Borno, Abduct Brigadier-General

Terrorists suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly ambushed a Nigerian military convoy late Friday night, killing two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno state.

Shockingly, the insurgents reportedly abducted a serving Brigade Commander along with other military personnel.

“ISWAP fighters last night ambushed a Nigerian military convoy, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

"In an unprecedented escalation, the insurgents abducted a Brigade Commander alongside other troops,” a source was quoted as saying.

Reports also confirmed that the Brigadier-General narrowly escaped death as he later returned to his base on foot.

A member of the CJTF based in Nzula, near the site of the attack, said the convoy was heading toward Bongry when it was ambushed. “It was on the Biu Road,” he said, requesting anonymity for safety reasons.

A resident of Damboa, familiar with the convoy’s movements, reported that it left the town around 2pm, comprising two Hilux vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and several motorcycles.

“The terrorists killed two soldiers and two CJTF,” he said. “They also took away some motorcycles. Reinforcement later left Damboa – two Hilux and two armoured vehicles – when the incident happened.”

The most alarming aspect of the incident, however, is the temporary disappearance of a Brigade Commander who was part of the operation.

A senior CJTF member in Damboa, who witnessed the convoy’s departure, confirmed the situation. “We don’t know where he is at the moment. But he responds to WhatsApp messages.”

The Commander later returned on foot after being missing for several hours, in what is being described as a narrow escape from the attackers.

This marks the first time since the launch of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency campaign that a serving General directly involved on the frontline has gone missing, even briefly, during an ambush.