Brigadier-General Returns To Army Base On Foot After Boko Haram, ISWAP Ambush, Two Soldiers, Others Killed

A Nigerian Army Brigadier-General narrowly escaped death after going missing for several hours during a deadly ambush by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters near Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, the commanding officer later returned to his base on foot.

It was gathered that the terrorists, lying in wait along the convoy route, opened fire on a mixed convoy of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members.

However, the attack left two soldiers and two CJTF operatives dead.

HumAngle reports that a member of the CJTF based in Nzula, near the site of the attack, reported that the convoy was heading toward Bongry when it was ambushed. “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, 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.

The incident raises serious concerns about the growing sophistication of ISWAP attacks and the increasing dangers faced by senior officers deployed to volatile regions.

Damboa and its surrounding communities have been hit by repeated insurgent attacks in recent months, including assaults on patrol teams, ambushes on rural roads, and raids on farming settlements.

Residents say the latest attack highlights the persistent insecurity along major routes despite years of military presence. (SaharaReporters)