Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists have attacked a military patrol in Damasak, the headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, killing a Nigerian Army major.
According to correspondents, sources said the officer, who commanded the Damasak military base, was leading a foot patrol of about 30 soldiers early on Friday when the team came under an explosive and gun attack by the insurgents.
The assault reportedly forced the soldiers to disperse. While eight soldiers later returned to base, 22 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 explosive and gun attacks from ISWAP, forcing them to disperse. Only eight soldiers returned to base, while 22 were unaccounted for, including the commander, a major,” a source told newsmen.
“Someone answers his phone each time the base tries to reach him, indicating he may be in the hands of ISWAP,” the source added.
Conflicting accounts earlier emerged suggesting that the major may have been captured after attempts to reach him by phone were reportedly answered by an unknown person.
However, another security source dismissed the claims, saying the officer was killed during the ambush and not abducted.
The development has yet to be officially confirmed as of press time.
In November 2025, Brigadier General M. Uba was killed by ISWAP fighters following an ambush on a convoy of soldiers and operatives of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Borno State.
The terrorists reportedly ambushed the troops along Damboa Road, near Wajiroko, as they were transporting military equipment.
