By Faith Chondol
Terrorists suspected to be fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have ambushed a Nigerian Army convoy in Borno State, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and reportedly abducting a serving Brigadier-General.
The late-night attack, which occurred on Friday, is being described as a major escalation in the ongoing insurgency in northeastern Nigeria. The attackers, described as heavily armed and highly coordinated, targeted the military convoy in a swift strike that left multiple casualties and heightened tension in the region.
According to security-focused platform HumAngle, the insurgents not only inflicted heavy losses on the troops but also kidnapped a Brigade Commander alongside other military personnel — a development considered unprecedented in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.
If confirmed, this would be the first time a serving General has been seized directly from the frontline by a terrorist group in Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement on the ambush or the condition of the kidnapped officer.
The attack comes amid renewed concerns over rising terrorist activities across Borno South. Senator Ali Ndume, who represents the district, on Thursday described the worsening insecurity in his constituency as “deeply worrisome” and unacceptable.
Senator Ndume revealed that four farmers were brutally murdered by Boko Haram insurgents while harvesting their crops in Kwam village, near Dille in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area. He said the killings highlight the vulnerability of rural communities that continue to face threats despite years of military operations.
“I am very much perturbed over the renewed attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in some parts of my constituency in the last week,” Ndume said.
“These attacks led to the killing of four farmers while harvesting their crops in Kwam village.”
He further disclosed that the attacks are not isolated. A church and several buildings were reportedly set ablaze in Pemi community last week, and on Wednesday, insurgents invaded Shikarkir village in Chibok Local Government Area.
Ndume criticized the inability of security forces to maintain a sustained presence in remote settlements, saying the gap has emboldened insurgents to strike repeatedly without resistance.
The latest ambush and reported abduction of a senior military officer are expected to trigger heightened military operations across Borno as Nigerians await an official response from the Army.
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