- Safiu Kehinde
The Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) terrorist group has claimed responsibility of capturing and beheading of Brig. Gen. M. Uba.
The Army General was reported to have run into an ambush alongside his ground forces after advancing into an bobby-trapped area.
This alerted the ISWAP terrorists who engaged the troop in an intense exchange of gunfire.
However, the sudden surge in terrorist numbers forced the commander to order a tactical withdrawal and issue a distress call for air support.
While waiting for air support in the terrorists infested forest, the army general in a WhatsApp text confirmed his safety to his superiors, adding that he was regrouping with his team.
He had also made a video record of himself to further confirm his safety.
His communication was however leaked with the terrorists reportedly intercepting and tracking his location along the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State, as confirmed by multiple security sources.
He was captured alive while the terrorists interrogated him briefly before summarily executing him.
Meanwhile, some of the last communication from the late Brig.-Gen. Uba have emerged.
As seen in the WhatsApp chats posted on X, the late General had maintained his calmness and determination as troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified efforts to reach him.
“Are they going to pick me or direct me on where to go?” the General asked in one of the messages.
A response from the coordinating team assured him: “Sir, they will remain overhead and coordinate with the troops moving towards you, Sir.”
Not long after, he sent another update: “My battery is 31% now.”
This was followed by his attempt to make himself visible to the air component
“Sir, I am on foot, but once I see the aircraft, I can raise my peak cap.” He wrote.
These were the last words received from Brig.-Gen. Uba before contact was lost.