Atiku, Shehu Sani Demand Clarification as ISWAP Claims Killing of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani have called for transparency following reports that Brigadier-General Musa Uba was killed after being captured during an ISWAP ambush in Borno State.

The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Monday claimed it executed the senior officer after capturing him during an attack on a military convoy near Wajiroko village. According to reports, the convoy, led by Uba of the 25 Task Force Brigade, was returning from patrol late Friday when it came under heavy gunfire.

The Nigerian Army, however, denied that Uba was kidnapped, describing the circulating reports as “fake news” and insisting the officer was safe after troops repelled the ambush.

ISWAP later released a statement via its Amaq channel alleging it had interrogated and killed the officer, sharing a photo collage purportedly showing Uba in his office and another taken after his alleged capture. The claims have not been verified by the army or the presidency.

The terror group further mocked the Nigerian Army’s statement, calling it “an outright lie and a miserable security failure.” ISWAP claimed Uba was captured after fleeing the ambush and was later apprehended by its fighters while injured near a village on Saturday.

Atiku Reacts

Atiku expressed shock and concern over the conflicting reports, criticising the military’s communication strategy and accusing the presidency of prioritising political battles over national security.

“I am deeply saddened, shocked, and disturbed by the news surrounding the killing of Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba and the failure of the military hierarchy to provide clear information, especially after initially denying the incident,” he said in a post on X.

He described the incident as “a failure of political leadership,” alleging President Bola Tinubu is “more interested in decimating the opposition” than fulfilling his duty as Commander-in-Chief.

Atiku further described Uba’s death as “one too many,” warning that the ambush signals a “bold terrorist resurgence” that Nigeria cannot ignore. He urged the president to take decisive action or “be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign.”

He added that if he were president, he would order the military to “occupy Borno State or any state under siege” until terrorists are cleared out, saying Nigeria must value the sacrifices of its soldiers.

Shehu Sani Speaks

Senator Shehu Sani condemned the attack, noting that terrorists often spread gruesome content to project fear. He urged Nigerians not to be demoralised by such propaganda.

He described Brig.-Gen. Uba as “a brave and gallant soldier, an indomitable spirit who marched toward danger to defend his country,” and called for a thorough military investigation into any lapses that may have contributed to the ambush.

“The killing of Brig. Gen. Uba is a tragic loss to our country but a sacrifice that will forever be appreciated,” Sani said. “We must celebrate his courage and patriotism and never glorify the cruelty of terrorists. After 15 years of battle, terrorism has never won and will never win.”

He prayed for the repose of the souls of Uba and others who died in the attack.