Suspected Boko Haram fighters ambushed a Nigerian Army convoy in Borno State late Friday night, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and reportedly abducting a serving Brigadier-General.

The attack, which occurred along a route in northeastern Nigeria, was described by witnesses as heavily armed and well-coordinated. According to reports, the insurgents overwhelmed the convoy, inflicting heavy casualties before taking control of the area. In a shocking twist, the extremists allegedly captured a Brigade Commander during the operation, alongside other troops. If confirmed, this would mark the first time a serving General has been abducted directly from the battlefield by Boko Haram or its ISWAP faction.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the ambush was meticulously planned, leaving soldiers with little room to respond. Survivors recounted how the insurgents blocked the convoy’s path and opened fire from multiple directions, forcing the troops into disarray. The CJTF members, who often assist the military in counter-insurgency operations, were also caught in the crossfire.

The Nigerian Army has yet to release an official statement confirming the identity of the Brigadier-General reportedly seized, but military sources say urgent rescue operations are underway. Analysts note that such a high-profile abduction, if verified, would represent a significant propaganda victory for Boko Haram and raise serious questions about security along key routes in Borno.

This incident underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the northeast despite years of military campaigns. Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to stage ambushes, kidnappings, and attacks on both military and civilian targets, exploiting the difficult terrain and gaps in intelligence.

The development has sparked concern among Nigerians, with many calling for stronger measures to protect frontline troops and prevent further losses. As one security analyst put it, “The abduction of a senior officer is not just a tactical setback—it’s a psychological blow to the military and the nation.”

With the trial of strength between insurgents and the Nigerian Army intensifying, the coming days will reveal whether the military can swiftly recover its captured officer and reassert control in Borno.