iDeemlawfulA Nigerian Army Brigadier-General narrowly survived after being unaccounted for several hours during a deadly ambush carried out by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters near Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, the commanding officer eventually returned to his base on foot.
It was gathered that the terrorists, concealed along the convoy route, opened fire on a joint team of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) personnel.
However, the attack resulted in the deaths of two soldiers and two CJTF operatives.
HumAngle reports that a CJTF member based in Nzula, near where the ambush happened, said the convoy was moving toward Bongry when it came under fire. “It was on the Biu Road,” he said, requesting anonymity for safety reasons.
A security source was quoted as saying, “The convoy consisted of the military and members of the CJTF.”
A resident of Damboa, who was familiar with the convoy’s movement, stated that it departed the area around 2pm with 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 observed the convoy leaving, confirmed the development. “We don’t know where he is at the moment. But he responds to WhatsApp messages.”
The Commander later emerged on foot after being missing for hours, in what has been described as a close escape from the attackers.
This marks the first time since Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operation began that a serving General engaged on the frontline has gone missing, even briefly, during an ambush.
The incident raises significant concerns about ISWAP’s increasing sophistication and the heightened risks facing senior officers deployed to high-threat zones.
Damboa and surrounding areas have witnessed repeated insurgent attacks in recent months, including strikes on patrol teams, ambushes along rural routes, and raids on farming communities.
Residents say the latest assault underscores the persistent insecurity along major routes despite years of military deployment.
