The Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Friday staged a deadly ambush on a military convoy in Borno State, killing soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), leaving a serving military General missing.
The attack, which reportedly occurred around 5 pm near Sabon Gari along the Damboa–Biu highway, targeted a mixed security convoy made up of troops and CJTF operatives escorting personnel and equipment through one of the most volatile routes in the North-East.
Multiple security and local sources confirmed that ISWAP fighters, who hid in the bush along the route, opened intense fire as the convoy approached, sparking a fierce firefight.
A CJTF member stationed in Nzula said the terrorists killed at least four soldiers and over half a dozen CJTF personnel, while also carting away several motorcycles belonging to the security forces.
A Damboa resident familiar with the convoy’s movement said it had departed Damboa town around 2 pm with two Hilux vans, two armoured personnel carriers, and multiple motorcycles before running into the ambush.
“Reinforcement later moved from Damboa, two Hilux and two armoured vehicles after we got news of the attack,” he added.
The most unsettling development from the incident was the disappearance of a serving Brigade Commander, a General, who was leading the operation.
A senior CJTF member who witnessed the convoy’s departure confirmed that the commander was missing after the ambush, sparking widespread concern within security circles.
“For hours, nobody knew where he was. But he has responded to WhatsApp messages a few hours ago,” the source said.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba failed to respond to calls or text messages sent to his mobile phone.
