New details have come to light regarding the last known communications of Brigadier General Uba, the Brigade Commander of Damboa, before he was reportedly killed by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP. The revelations shed more light on the tense final hours of the senior officer’s life and the challenges surrounding the rescue efforts.
Although the Nigerian Army initially dismissed reports of his death, multiple military sources confirmed on Monday that Brigadier General Uba was killed after several hours of being declared missing during an operation in a remote forested area. His disappearance triggered an intensive search and coordination effort involving ground troops and an air component.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the commander had earlier sent a short video assuring colleagues that he was alive and unharmed, raising hopes that he would soon be extracted safely. However, security analyst Zagazola Makama later published what he said were the commander’s final WhatsApp messages exchanged with troops who were attempting to trace his location.
In one of the messages sighted by DAILY POST, Brigadier General Uba, sounding increasingly anxious, asked, “Are they going to pick me or direct me on where to go?”
The coordinating team responded promptly, providing reassurance and details of the search operation. “Sir, they will remain overhead and coordinate with the troops moving towards you, Sir.”
As time passed, the situation grew more critical. In another message, the General revealed the state of his phone battery, a detail that underscored the urgency of the moment and the fear of losing communication entirely. “My battery is 31 percent now,” he wrote.
His final message indicated that he was on foot and attempting to position himself so the air component could locate him.
“Sir, I am on foot, but once I see the aircraft, I can raise my peak cap,” he said.
After this last communication, all attempts to reach him reportedly failed. According to Zagazola, troops were unable to re-establish contact, and it was later alleged that ISWAP fighters intercepted and killed the officer before he could be rescued.
The incident has caused deep concern within military circles, prompting renewed discussions about operational risks, communication challenges, and the vulnerability of troops operating in difficult terrain dominated by insurgent groups. It has also sparked emotional reactions among colleagues and citizens, many of whom are demanding a thorough investigation into the events leading to the commander’s death.
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