Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna Central senator Shehu Sani have called for urgent clarification following claims by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) that it killed Brigadier-General Musa Uba after capturing him during an ambush in Borno State.
ISWAP on Monday alleged it executed the senior officer, releasing through its Amaq channel a picture collage showing Uba in his office and another after his alleged capture.
The terror group claimed its fighters intercepted the general after he “fled” Friday night’s ambush on a military convoy near Wajiroko village, adding that he was eventually “captured… after he was wounded.”
According to ISWAP, “Islamic State fighters overthrew a senior officer in the Nigerian army after a successful ambush on a military force in Borno…,” describing the Army’s denial as “an outright lie and a miserable security failure.”
The Nigerian Army had earlier dismissed reports of Uba’s abduction as “fake news,” insisting the commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade had survived the ambush after troops repelled the assault.
Reacting on X, Atiku Abubakar said he was “deeply saddened and extremely shocked and disturbed” by reports of the officer’s death and criticised what he described as unclear communication from military authorities.
He said: “I am deeply saddened and extremely shocked and disturbed by news making the rounds of the killing of Brig. Gen. Musa Uba by terrorists and the failure of the military hierarchy to clearly explain how it happened or what went wrong, as initial official denials indicated that this was not the case.”
Atiku blamed the development on what he termed “a failure of political leadership,” accusing President Bola Tinubu of focusing on political battles instead of national security.
He stressed that the incident reflects “a bold terrorist resurgence” and urged the president to prioritise safety.
“To Mr. President: the security of the lives of our people is your primary responsibility,” Atiku wrote, adding that Tinubu must “live up to it or be humble enough to admit incompetence and either ask for help or resign.”
He suggested that, if he were in office, he would instruct the military to “occupy Borno State or any state under siege… until they clear those areas.”
Atiku described Uba’s reported death as “one too many,” calling for stronger protection for front-line troops.
Senator Shehu Sani also responded, warning Nigerians not to be shaken by terrorist propaganda.
He wrote: Terrorists often circulate videos of killings or kidnappings to cowardly portray their power and send a threatening message to the world.”
He insisted that “their evil antics must not dampen the spirit of a nation confronting them.”
Sani described Brigadier-General Uba as “a brave and gallant soldier, an indomitable spirit who marched toward the fire in order to save his country.”
He urged the military to thoroughly investigate any operational lapses that may have led to the attack:
“We must emphasise on celebrating his courage and patriotism and never glorify their crimes, cruelty and cowardice… The military authorities must do everything to investigate the circumstances and possible lapses that led to the fall of Gen Uba and others. May their souls rest in peace.”
