By Oluwatoyin Makinde
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani have called for urgent clarification following reports that Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants killed Brigadier-General Musa Uba after an ambush in Borno State.
The terror group on Monday claimed it executed the senior officer after capturing him during an attack on a military convoy near Wajiroko village last Friday. The convoy, led by Uba of the 25 Task Force Brigade, was returning from patrol when it came under heavy gunfire.
The Nigerian Army had earlier denied reports of Uba’s abduction, dismissing the claims as “fake news” and insisting the officer was safe after troops repelled the ambush.
However, ISWAP later released a statement through its Amaq channel alleging it interrogated and killed the officer—a claim yet to be verified by the army or the presidency.
The group circulated a picture collage purportedly showing Brig.-Gen. Uba in his office and another image of him after captivity. ISWAP mocked the military’s earlier denial, describing it as a “miserable security failure.”
Atiku, in a statement posted on X, said he was “deeply saddened, extremely shocked and disturbed” by the conflicting reports. He criticised the military’s communication and accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of failing in his duty as Commander-in-Chief.
“This is unequivocally a failure of political leadership,” Atiku said. “The President seems more interested in decimating the opposition than securing the nation.”
He added that Nigeria could not afford “a bold terrorist resurgence” and warned that the killing—if confirmed—was “one too many.”
Atiku said if he were president, he would direct the military to “occupy Borno State or any state under siege” until all terrorists were flushed out.
Senator Shehu Sani described Brig.-Gen. Uba as “a brave and gallant soldier” whose sacrifice must not be forgotten. He cautioned Nigerians against being demoralised by ISWAP’s propaganda, saying terrorists often release gruesome videos to create fear.
“The military must investigate all lapses that led to the fall of Gen. Uba and others,” Sani added.
The Army and the presidency have yet to issue updated statements on ISWAP’s claims, leaving the nation awaiting official confirmation amid growing pressure from political leaders and the public.
