Four Die As Army General Returns After Abduction Scare

An Army General allegedly abducted by Boko Haram has returned back to base but not without casualties, The Nation has gathered.

Reports of the abduction of the Brigade Commander of 25 Task Force in Damboa Local Government in Borno State circulated the media in the late hours of Friday and earlier hours of Saturday.

Some online publications reported the possible abduction of the General but could not independently verify the development.

However, some security sources informed that the General returned to the base this morning Saturday on foot.

The Military has also confirmed through a statement by Lt. Col. ANELE, Acting Director Army Public Relations that Brig. General M. Uba did came in contact with some Boko insurgents on a routine patrol along Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government of Borno State.

The statement also informed that two soldiers and two Civilian JTF member were killed in the encounter.

The statement reads: “Troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy insurgents fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

“The patrol team which was led by the Commander 25 Brigade Brigadier General M Uba and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) courageously fought through the insurgents ambush with superior fire power, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission.

“During the encounter two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation. While commending the troops for their gallantry, the Army high command commiserates with families and associates of the deceased gallants for their heroic sacrifice to the nation.

“The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander.

“The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, salutes the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict on behalf of our dear nation.

”Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe.”