The Nigerian Army has debunked reports claiming that the Commander, 25 Task Force Brigade, Brigadier General M. Uba, was abducted, affirming that he personally led his troops out of a fierce ambush near Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
A statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, said insurgents opened fire on the patrol team while they were returning from a successful operation along the fringes of the Sambisa Forest.
The troops, however, fought through the ambush with superior firepower, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray and abandon their mission.
The patrol, led by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General M. Uba, comprised troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). During the encounter, two soldiers and two CJTF personnel were reported to have paid the supreme price.
Lieutenant Colonel Anele dismissed online reports alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander as “entirely false”.
She urged the public to disregard the misinformation and rely on verified updates from official military channels.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, commended the troops for their courage and resilience.
He noted that their sacrifice in one of the country’s most dangerous conflict zones underscores the daily risks borne by service men and women in keeping Nigeria safe.
Olusola Akintonde