President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who lost his life while leading military operations against insurgents in Borno State.
Gatekeepers News reports that Uba was reportedly killed after Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters ambushed a joint team of soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).
In a statement on Tuesday by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president expressed profound grief over the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the slain general, other fallen personnel, and the military as a whole.
Tinubu also addressed the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
According to him, the attack occurred despite security agencies having earlier received intelligence indicating a possible strike by bandits. He commended Governor Mohammed Idris for attempting to avert the situation before it happened.
To further demonstrate the government’s concern, the president instructed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to Kebbi to meet with state authorities and reassure the parents and guardians of the abducted students that the federal government is committed to ensuring their immediate and safe rescue.
While condemning the security failure that led to the kidnapping, Tinubu urged residents, particularly those in communities prone to attacks to share timely information with the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS), stressing that security agencies rely heavily on local cooperation to operate effectively.
He said, “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.”
“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 appealed to citizens and traditional leaders, especially in conflict-affected areas, to provide security agencies with information that can strengthen ongoing operations.
