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Despite prolonged military efforts, the threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) persists strongly in Nigeria’s northeastern region. These extremist groups continue to launch deadly assaults on military personnel, including high-ranking officers actively engaged on the frontlines.
Recent developments on Tuesday confirmed that ISWAP militants fatally ambushed Brigadier General Musa Uba in Borno State, intensifying concerns about the ongoing vulnerability of Nigerian forces to insurgent attacks. This tragic event underscores the enduring challenge these jihadist factions present, even after more than ten years of counter-terrorism campaigns.
General Uba’s death marks him as the most senior military officer killed in action since 2021, highlighting the significant toll insurgents continue to exact on Nigeria’s defense leadership.
According to a statement released on ISWAP’s Telegram channel, General Uba was captured during an ambush on November 15 near Wajiroko, Borno State. The Nigerian Army later confirmed the incident, reporting the deaths of two soldiers and two members of the Civilian Joint Task Force alongside the general.
President Bola Tinubu publicly expressed his sympathies to the bereaved families of General Uba and the fallen soldiers, emphasizing the nation’s resolve to combat these threats.
Senior Nigerian Military Officers Lost in the Fight Against Insurgency
Brigadier General Musa Uba: Leadership Amidst Persistent Insurgency
Brigadier General Musa Uba commanded the Nigerian Army’s 25 Brigade and was a pivotal figure in ongoing operations within Borno State, a region that remains a hotbed of insurgent activity. His death occurred during a surge in militant attacks, reflecting the volatile security landscape that has plagued northeastern Nigeria for years.
Areas such as Gudumbali, Marte, and Abadam Local Government Areas have experienced fluctuating control between government forces and insurgents for nearly six years. Earlier this year, militants targeted local farmers and fishermen in Dumba, illustrating the continued instability affecting civilian livelihoods.
Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu: A Predecessor Lost in Combat
Prior to General Uba, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu was the highest-ranking officer killed in 2021. He died alongside three soldiers during an ambush by ISWAP fighters in Askira Uba, Borno State. This faction had recently split from Boko Haram, intensifying the complexity of the insurgency.
Originally from Adamawa State, General Zirkusu had assumed command of the 28 Task Force Brigade in Chibok earlier that year. Despite the attack, Nigerian forces successfully repelled the militants, inflicting casualties and seizing weapons.
Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako: Defender of Damboa
In September 2020, Colonel Dahiru Chiroma Bako was fatally wounded when Boko Haram insurgents ambushed his convoy near Wajiroko-the same area where General Uba was later killed. He passed away after undergoing surgery at the 7 Division Military Hospital.
As Commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade under Operation Lafiya Dole in Damboa, Colonel Bako was lauded by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum as a “valiant officer who prevented Boko Haram from overrunning Damboa.” His leadership was instrumental in maintaining government control in this strategic area.
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali: A Symbol of Courage
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali, who was promoted from Major in 2015, is remembered as one of Nigeria’s most fearless officers in the battle against Boko Haram. He led the 272 Tank Battalion with distinction, playing a crucial role in reclaiming Baga town in February 2015-a significant milestone in the counter-insurgency campaign.
He was killed in November 2016 during a Boko Haram attack on the Nigerian Army’s 119 Battalion in Mallam Fatori, Borno State. Reports indicate he was shot while directing operations under challenging conditions of limited visibility.
Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba: Fallen in Northern Borno
Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Sakaba lost his life in November 2018 amid a fierce assault on a military base in northern Borno, an area frequently targeted by insurgents. At the time, he commanded the 157 Task Force Battalion stationed in Metele, a location known for repeated militant attacks.
In 2021, the Nigerian Army dismissed claims made by his widow alleging internal conspiracy in his death, affirming that Lt. Col. Sakaba died honorably in combat.
Continuing Struggles and the Path Forward
The deaths of these senior officers underscore the persistent threat Boko Haram and ISWAP pose to Nigeria’s military and civilian populations. Despite intensified military campaigns and increased international support, northeastern Nigeria remains a volatile region with frequent insurgent attacks.
Recent data from the Nigerian Defence Headquarters indicates that over 150 military personnel have been killed in the northeast in the past two years alone, reflecting the high human cost of this conflict. Efforts to enhance intelligence, improve troop welfare, and strengthen community partnerships are ongoing to curb insurgent influence.
As Nigeria continues to confront these extremist groups, the sacrifices of officers like Generals Uba and Zirkusu, Colonel Bako, and Lieutenant Colonels Abu Ali and Sakaba serve as poignant reminders of the bravery and resilience required to restore peace and stability to the region.
