Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) launched a deadly ambush on a Nigerian military convoy in Borno State on Friday night. During the attack, a serving general — reported to be a brigade commander who was leading the operation — was allegedly abducted.
Several soldiers, including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), were killed in the assault, which is one of the most serious strikes on frontline troops in recent months.
If confirmed, the kidnapping of a serving general would mark an unprecedented moment in Nigeria’s long fight against extremism. While high-ranking officers have been killed in past clashes, abductions of senior military leaders are extremely rare.
Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident, but security sources say investigations and search efforts are underway.