An attack from members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) occurred around 5 p.m. yesterday near Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria. The terrorists, concealed along the route, opened fire on a mixed convoy of soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), killing two soldiers and two CJTF personnel.
A CJTF member stationed in Nzula, close to the attack site, told HumAngle that the convoy was moving in the direction of Bongry when it was intercepted. “It was on the Biu Road,” he said, requesting anonymity for safety reasons. “The convoy consisted of the military and members of the CJTF.”
A resident of Damboa, familiar with the movement of the convoy, said it departed the town around 2 p.m. with two Hilux vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and several motorcycles. “The terrorists killed two soldiers and two CJTF,” he said. “They also took away some motorcycles. Reinforcement later left Damboa – two Hilux and two armoured vehicles – when the incident happened.”
However, the most alarming development is the disappearance of a Brigade Commander who was part of the operation. A senior CJTF member in Damboa, who witnessed the convoy’s departure, confirmed the situation. “We don’t know where he is at the moment. But he responds to WhatsApp messages.”
The Commander was able to return on foot after missing for several hours in what is being described as an escape from the attackers.
This is the first time since the start of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency campaign that a serving General directly engaged on the frontline went missing for a while in an ambush. The development raises concerns about the sophistication of recent ISWAP attacks and the increasing risks faced by senior officers deployed to volatile areas.
Damboa and surrounding communities have seen repeated insurgent attacks in recent months, including assaults on patrol teams, ambushes along rural roads, and raids on farming settlements. Residents say the attack underscores the persistent insecurity along major roads despite years of military presence.
We were unable to obtain responses from the Nigerian military at the time of press. They had also not issued an official statement.
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