MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters ambushed a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State early Saturday Morning, reportedly abducting a serving brigadier general and killing several soldiers, including members of the allied Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
The general, identified as a brigade commander, was reportedly leading the troops when the attack occurred.
The conflict-focused news platform HumAngle first reported the ambush and the alleged kidnapping Saturday, noting the incident would mark a significant escalation in the decade-long conflict.
“This would be the first recorded instance of any extremist group in Nigeria capturing a serving General directly from the frontline,” HumAngle stated.
While insurgents have killed high-ranking military officers in previous attacks, the abduction of a serving general is a rare and disturbing development.
The exact casualty figures for the military and CJTF remain unclear. Military authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, has not responded to an enquiry about the reported ambush and kidnapping.
The attack highlights the continued operational capability of ISWAP, which has split from the main Boko Haram faction and frequently targets military convoys and bases in the region.
