The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has killed a Nigerian Army major during an attack on a military patrol in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to TheCable, the officer, who was the commander of the Damasak military base, was leading a foot patrol of about 30 soldiers in the early hours of Friday when the troops came under an explosive and gun attack by ISWAP fighters.
The assault reportedly forced the soldiers to disperse. While eight soldiers later returned safely to the base, 22 troops were initially unaccounted for, including the commanding officer.
“From what I gathered, the commander of the Damasak base led a foot patrol of 30 troops early on Friday. They came under explosives and gun attack from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse.
Only eight soldiers returned to base while 22 are unaccounted for, including the commander, a major,”
“Someone answers his phone each time his base tries to reach him, indicating he is in the hands of ISWAP.”
Conflicting reports initially emerged over the fate of the officer, with some accounts suggesting he may have been captured after calls to his phone were reportedly answered by an unknown person.
However, another security source dismissed the abduction claims, stating that the army major was killed during the ambush and not taken hostage.
As of press time, official confirmation of the incident was still being awaited.
In November 2025, ISWAP fighters killed Brigadier General M. Uba following an ambush on a convoy of soldiers and operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno State.
The troops were attacked along Damboa Road near Wajiroko while transporting military equipment.