The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that terrorists abducted the Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, during an operation in Borno State. The Army described the story as false, misleading, and aimed at creating unnecessary fear among citizens.
The clarification was issued on Saturday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele. She said that contrary to the rumour, the senior officer was not kidnapped and had safely returned from the operational mission. According to her, the viral messages suggesting that ISWAP fighters captured the Brigade Commander were the handiwork of mischief-makers.
“The reports claiming that Brig.-Gen. M. Uba was abducted by terrorists are entirely false. The officer was never taken by insurgents, and he returned safely from the operation,” Anele said. She urged the public to disregard the rumour and rely on verified information from official security sources.
While debunking the false report, the Army confirmed that there was indeed a confrontation with terrorists, during which four security personnel were killed. According to Anele, troops from the 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) had gone on a routine patrol around Wajiroko, near Damboa Local Government Area, when they ran into an ambush.
The patrol team had been returning from the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, one of the main hideouts of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, when the terrorists opened fire. The soldiers and CJTF members fought back fiercely, forcing the insurgents to withdraw, but not without casualties on the side of the security forces.
“Sadly, two soldiers and two CJTF members paid the supreme price while serving the nation,” Anele said, noting that their bravery prevented the terrorists from gaining ground or inflicting more damage. She added that the Army High Command was deeply saddened by the loss and was in touch with the families of the fallen personnel.
Borno State has been the epicentre of Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks since the insurgency began in 2009. Despite significant progress made by the military, especially in reclaiming territories and weakening the operational strength of the insurgents, many rural communities remain vulnerable to ambushes, attacks, and landmine threats.
The Sambisa Forest, which borders several local government areas including Damboa, remains one of the most difficult terrains for counter-terrorism operations. The forest’s size and rough landscape provide cover for insurgent hideouts, making it a recurring hotspot for military engagements.
Patrol operations like the one conducted by Brig.-Gen. Uba’s team are meant to secure surrounding communities, disrupt insurgent movements, and reassure residents who have suffered years of violence. Such patrols are often routine but can turn dangerous within minutes due to the unpredictable activities of the terrorists.
The Nigerian Army expressed concern about the spread of false reports regarding the supposed abduction of the brigade commander. According to Anele, misinformation not only causes panic but also undermines the morale of troops who are risking their lives daily.
She urged social media users and bloggers to verify their information before publishing or sharing it. “We encourage the public to avoid spreading rumours, especially about sensitive security matters. Our troops are working tirelessly, and false reports can create confusion and fear,” she said.
The Army has repeatedly warned that fake news about military operations can give insurgents psychological advantage or mislead residents in affected communities, thereby endangering more lives.
The Army High Command extended its deepest condolences to the families of the two soldiers and two CJTF members who lost their lives in the ambush. According to the statement, their bravery and sacrifice are a reminder of the heavy cost of securing the country.
CJTF members, who are local volunteers supporting the military, have played a major role in identifying insurgent hideouts and helping security forces navigate difficult terrains in the North-East. Many of them have been killed over the years while assisting the military in counter-terrorism operations.
“Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. They died serving the nation with courage,” Anele said.
In the wake of the ambush, military sources say additional troops may be deployed to intensify clearance operations around Damboa, Wajiroko, and other sensitive areas close to the Sambisa Forest. These operations are aimed at destroying insurgent camps, improving security for local communities, and preventing future ambushes.
The North-East has remained a major priority for Nigeria’s security agencies, especially with ongoing efforts to resettle displaced people and restore farming and economic activities in recovering communities.
Residents in Damboa and surrounding areas say they are grateful that the brigade commander and most members of the patrol team survived the ambush, but they worry that frequent attacks show the insurgents still pose a serious threat.
