After successful rescue of Nigerian Army troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from an ambush by ISWAP in the Damboa–Biu axis of Borno State, the commander of the troops was later executed by the terrorists.
It was gathered that the terrorists reportedly intercepted the communication of the commander detailing his safe location to superior officers following a successful air-ground operation, thus making the ISWAP terrorists to track, captured and execute him after interrogation.
The Brigade-Commander, whose name has been disclosed as Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba, had earlier confirmed his safety to superior officials following a successful air-ground operation.
But, how his location got leaked to ISWAP or how the terrorist group intercepted the communication and arrived earlier before the Military rescue team, is still troubling to Nigerians.
The operation began when ground troops, led by the Gen. Uba moved into the area, but, unknowingly, navigated a booby-trapped route which led to an exchange of gunfire.
However, a surge in the number of the terrorists, compelled the commander to order a tactical withdrawal as he quickly sent a distress message and requested for air support.
On getting the request for air support, the NAF fighter jets quickly moved from different missions to provide close air support, thereby delivering the essential relief required to disperse the terrorists and save the military commander, his troops, and accompanying CJTF members.
A security source said the joint effort resulted in the killing of scores of terrorists while the military recorded minimal casualties during the operation.
Unfortunately, the tragic killing of the Commander underscores the continued challenges faced by the country in the right against insecurity in the country and whether there are fifth columnists within strategic arms of the security forces.
