President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was killed while on active duty in an operation against insurgents in Borno State.
Uba was reportedly ambushed and killed by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during an attack on a convoy of soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
In a statement on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, said Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the death of the senior officer and other personnel involved in the incident. He extended condolences to their families and the military authorities.
Tinubu also addressed the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. The students were kidnapped on Monday, despite what he described as earlier intelligence reports warning of a potential attack by bandits.
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The president commended Governor Mohammed Idris of Kebbi State for efforts taken to forestall the incident and directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit the state to sympathise with the government and reassure parents and guardians of the federal government’s commitment to securing the girls’ safe and swift return.
Decrying the security breach, Tinubu urged communities—particularly those in high-risk areas—to share timely intelligence with security agencies, including the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), noting that effective operations rely on cooperation from locals.
“As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of our soldiers and officers on active duty. May God comfort the families of Brigadier General Musa Uba and other fallen heroes,” Tinubu said.
“It is heartbreaking that terrorists have disrupted the education of innocent schoolgirls. I have directed security agencies to act swiftly to bring the girls back to Kebbi State.”
The president called on community leaders and residents to provide actionable information that will support ongoing security operations, saying: “Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges.”
