A Nigerian Army Brigadier General narrowly escaped death after going missing for several hours during a brutal ambush by militants from ISWAP and Boko Haram The incident occurred near Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area Borno State .
The Ambush
The ambush targeted a mixed convoy made up of military personnel and Civilian Joint Task Force members The group had left Damboa in the afternoon traveling in two Hilux pick up trucks two armoured personnel carriers and several motorcycles As they moved along Biu Road insurgents lying in wait suddenly opened fire .
Casualties and Losses
The attack claimed the lives of two Nigerian soldiers and two members of the civilian militia known as the CJTF The militants also made away with several motorcycles belonging to the convoy .
The General’s Disappearance and Return
During the attack the Brigadier General went missing for hours raising fears that he may have been captured or killed Despite the dangerous situation he managed to make his way back to base on foot A senior member of the CJTF later confirmed that the general had responded to messages while missing showing he was alive even though unaccounted for physically Many observers described his escape as a narrow but remarkable getaway given the intensity of the ambush .
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Rising ISWAP Threat
The incident highlights the growing sophistication of ISWAP and its ability to execute deadly ambushes even against well protected military convoys The fact that a serving general was directly involved in frontline combat and went missing is a worrying development Analysts warn that continued attacks on senior officers could weaken military morale and strategic effectiveness in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency .
Official Reaction
There has been no immediate public statement from the Nigerian Army about the ambush or the identity of the Brigadier General Local sources are following up with security officials for clarity on the general’s condition and the circumstances of his escape Observers believe the military may review convoy protocols especially in high risk areas to prevent similar incidents in the future .
Boko Haram and ISWAP Context
Boko Haram and its splinter faction ISWAP have long waged insurgent campaigns in northeastern Nigeria particularly in Borno State ISWAP has become increasingly active and deadly targeting both military and civilian targets The ambush near Damboa is part of a pattern of escalating attacks showing the persistent security challenges faced by Nigeria’s armed forces .
Conclusion
The Brigadier General’s narrow escape returning to base on foot after being missing for hours highlights the serious and evolving threat posed by ISWAP militants The loss of soldiers and civilian militia members also underscores the high human cost of Nigeria’s counter insurgency operations Observers now call for a review of military tactics and better protection for officers operating in frontline areas .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .