Terrorists from the Islamic State of West Africa Province, ISWAP, on Friday launched a deadly ambush on a military convoy in Borno State, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF while a serving military General is still unaccounted for.
The attack was carried out at about 5 p.m. close to Sabon Gari along the Damboa–Biu highway, one of the most volatile corridors in the North-East. The convoy, comprising soldiers and operatives of the CJTF, was conducting an escort duty for personnel and equipment when ISWAP fighters, hiding in the bushes, opened heavy fire.
Security and local sources said the ambush triggered an intense gun battle. A CJTF member in Nzula confirmed that at least four soldiers and more than six CJTF operatives were killed, with the terrorists also seizing several motorcycles belonging to the security team.
A resident of Damboa, who monitored the movement of the convoy, said it left Damboa around 2 p.m. with two Hilux vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and several motorcycles before running into the attackers.
He added that immediately the incident was reported, reinforcement was deployed from Damboa consisting of two Hilux vehicles and two armoured cars.
Most disturbing, however, is the disappearance of a serving Brigade Commander, a General, who was leading the mission. A senior CJTF official who witnessed the convoy’s departure confirmed the disappearance of the commander, raising serious concern among security operatives.
“For hours, nobody knew his whereabouts. But he has responded to WhatsApp messages a few hours ago,” the source revealed. Efforts to reach the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to his phone were not answered.
