Terrorists suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Friday night launched a deadly ambush on a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
According to SaharaReporters, the coordinated attack, described by security sources as highly organised, occurred along a yet-to-be-disclosed route in the volatile northeastern region. The insurgents reportedly overpowered the troops, leaving multiple casualties and heightened tension across nearby communities.
In a major escalation, the attackers are said to have abducted a serving Brigade Commander and other soldiers. If verified, this would mark the first time a frontline General in Nigeria has been captured by extremist fighters during an active operation.
The militants laid in wait before striking the convoy, resulting in significant losses. Despite the widespread reports, the Nigerian Army has not released an official statement concerning the attack or the condition of the abducted officer.
The incident follows growing concerns over renewed terrorist activities in Borno. Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South), in a statement earlier this week, condemned the surge in attacks within his constituency. He revealed that four farmers were brutally murdered while harvesting crops in Kwam village, near Dille, in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
Ndume noted that the killings were part of a series of escalating assaults. “Just last week, a church and other structures in Pemi were set ablaze. And only yesterday, there were fresh reports of Boko Haram infiltration in Shikarkir community in Chibok LGA,” he said.
He criticised the inability of security forces to maintain a constant presence in remote communities, arguing that the gaps in protection have emboldened insurgents to carry out repeated attacks without resistance.
