President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sadness over the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba and several Nigerian Army personnel by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The President described the deaths as tragic and said he was “depressed” by the loss of the soldiers, who were killed while carrying out operations against insurgents in Borno State.
Tinubu’s reaction was contained in a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. The statement followed reports that ISWAP terrorists abducted and killed some soldiers, including the senior officer, during an ambush in the North-East.
In his message, the President said he sympathised with the families of the deceased and called on Nigerians to fully support security agencies as they work to defeat insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of insecurity affecting the country.
“I sympathise with the military over the death of the gallant soldiers and Brigadier General Musa Uba, who paid the ultimate price while on active duty fighting insurgents in Borno State,” the President said.
“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am depressed with the tragic death of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes.”
President Tinubu highlighted that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by the government and security forces alone. He urged Nigerians, especially those living in rural communities, to cooperate by giving security agencies useful information that can help prevent attacks.
“Our security forces cannot succeed in protecting us if the people don’t cooperate and share information that will help them keep our communities safe,” Tinubu stated. “Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges.”
The President’s call comes at a time when many communities in the North-East and North-West are facing frequent attacks from insurgents, bandits, and other armed groups. Security experts have repeatedly noted that local intelligence plays an important role in identifying suspicious movements and helping the military respond quickly.
The killing of Brigadier-General Uba marks another painful moment in Nigeria’s long fight against terrorism. The North-East has been the centre of insurgent activity for more than 14 years, beginning with the Boko Haram uprising in 2009. Although the Nigerian military has recorded major victories over the years, ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters still carry out deadly ambushes, kidnappings, and raids on both civilians and soldiers.
Borno State, where the latest attack occurred, has been one of the most affected states. Thousands of people have been killed, and millions displaced since the insurgency began. Several military officers have lost their lives in the region, but the killing of a serving Brigadier-General underscores the continuing danger faced by security personnel.
ISWAP, which split from Boko Haram in 2016, is known for targeting military bases, convoys, and high-ranking officers. The group has also become more sophisticated, sometimes using drones, improved explosives, and advanced communication tools to track military movements.
The death of the senior officer and his men has drawn widespread reactions across the country. Several Nigerians took to social media to express sorrow and anger over the loss, describing the soldiers as heroes who died defending the nation.
Military families, civil society groups, and regional leaders have also called for stronger action to protect troops on the frontlines. Many have urged the Federal Government to increase funding for defence, provide better equipment, and ensure faster deployment of reinforcements in vulnerable areas.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture. His administration has been working to recruit more personnel into the Army, Police, and other agencies, as well as improve training and provide modern equipment.
The President has also held several meetings with service chiefs to review operational strategies, especially in the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt—regions that continue to record frequent attacks.
Although progress has been made in some areas, Nigerians continue to face security challenges ranging from terrorism and banditry to kidnapping and armed robbery. Many citizens say they are tired of the continued loss of lives and want the government to adopt tougher measures.
The killing of Brigadier-General Uba and his colleagues has once again highlighted the risks faced by Nigerian soldiers daily. Despite years of fighting, insurgents remain active in remote areas, often exploiting the difficult terrain, limited communication networks, and limited state presence.
President Tinubu’s message also stressed the need for unity across regions and communities. He noted that intelligence sharing and community cooperation remain key to detecting and preventing attacks.
In many parts of the North-East, local hunters, vigilante groups, and traditional rulers work closely with security agencies. Analysts say strengthening these partnerships could help save lives and reduce the frequency of ambushes on soldiers and civilians.
As the country mourns yet another group of fallen heroes, many Nigerians hope that the sacrifice of Brigadier-General Uba and the soldiers will push the government to intensify its campaign against terrorism.
The President ended his message by praying for the families of the victims and pledging continued support for the Armed Forces. While the attack has caused sorrow across the nation, officials and citizens alike remain hopeful that sustained effort, cooperation, and improved strategy will eventually lead to lasting peace.
