On Thursday, December 11, 2025, General Christopher Musa, the Minister of Defence (Retd), paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late Brigadier-General Musa Uba, who was tragically executed by ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) militants in November 2025.

Tribute to a Fallen Hero

During the visit, which took place at **General Uba’s family residence in Abuja, General Musa expressed his deep condolences to Uba’s wife and children. He described the late general as a “fallen hero”, highlighting his exceptional bravery, selflessness, and dedication to the Nigerian Armed Forces and the country.

• Minister’s Words: General Musa praised Uba as a “consummate professional” whose sacrifice embodied the highest ideals of the Nigerian military. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to continuing the fight against terrorism and protecting Nigeria from security threats.
• Commitment to Honour Sacrifice: The Defence Minister also assured the family that the Federal Government remains dedicated to honouring the legacy of personnel who give their lives in defence of the nation’s peace and security.

Background of the Tragedy

The tragic incident unfolded on November 14, 2025, when Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was commanding the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Borno State, was ambushed along the Burum-Kubua axis. The joint convoy of the Nigerian Army and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was on its way back to base from a routine mission when they were attacked by ISWAP fighters in a coordinated ambush.

• Immediate Casualties: The attack resulted in the death of two soldiers and two CJTF members, with several others injured.
• Uba’s Escape and Last Communication: General Uba managed to evade capture by slipping into the forest, and through satellite phone and WhatsApp messages, he communicated with the Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai. He confirmed that he was still alive and shared his GPS coordinates, assuring them that he was heading back to base.
• Hope of Rescue: Ground and air reinforcements were immediately dispatched to rescue him, with initial assessments indicating optimism for a successful extraction.

The Fatal Capture and Execution

Tragically, while trying to link up with his rescuers, Brigadier General Uba was captured by ISWAP militants. He was later executed point-blank and a video and photograph of his execution were released by the terror group, who framed the act as retribution for the military’s incursions into their “territory.”

National Response

The death of General Uba has deeply impacted the Nigerian Armed Forces and the nation as a whole. His sacrifice has been hailed as a demonstration of the bravery and commitment of the Nigerian military personnel in the face of the nation’s ongoing security challenges.

• National Praise: General Musa’s condolence visit has drawn nationwide praise, with many praising the Minister’s gesture of solidarity with the family and the Armed Forces.
• Call for Stronger Support for Troops: The Defence Minister emphasized the need to continue supporting the military in its operations against terrorism and insurgency, especially in the North-East region, where threats like ISWAP remain significant.