From that concealed position, he established communication with the Theatre Commander, confirming his safety and proof of life in a video Watssap call. He also sent his Live location through his Wattssap which prompted ground and Air rescue mission by Air and surface troops of Operation HADIN KAI.

“However, before official channels could release accurate information, social media platforms were flooded with sensational claims. Several blogs and influencers falsely reported that ISWAP had abducted a Brigade Commander a narrative that instantly went viral due to its shock value.

What followed was an information wildfire. The more the story spread, the more the terrorists, who initially had no situational awareness about the Commander’s movement, were alerted. Media amplification effectively turned him into the most sought-after “golden fish” in the Sambisa axis, prompting ISWAP cells linked to Ba Shuwa and Abu Qudama to intensify their scramble for a target they never actually had.

“This misreporting created an unnecessary operational burden, as troops had to factor in the media-induced pressure while conducting recovery and reorganisation. It also heightened public anxiety and momentarily disrupted the flow of accurate battlefield communication.

“At the time of the report, Zagazola dismissed the viral claims as entirely false. Verified accounts confirmed that a video released by the Commander himself confirmed he was alive, unharmed, and fully in control.

“Unfortunately, Gen. Uba’s mobile phone became unreachable and he was not found at the Live location he initially provided. The Theatre Commander himself led troops to Azir and remained there for almost 24 hours searching for the Commander without any trace.

In the end, the Brigade Commander was recaptured while attempting to maneuver his way out of the terrorists infested forest.

“This incident illustrated a recurring challenge in conflict reporting: how information can endanger personnel and inadvertently assist hostile groups by providing them with operational clues.”

Recall that ISWAP terrorists had ambushed a Nigerian military convoy in a late-night attack on Friday, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF.

The commander had led troops of the 25 Brigade Task Force on a routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

The insurgents, armed with sophisticated weapons, reportedly launched a coordinated strike on the convoy, leaving multiple casualties and triggering fresh fears across communities in the northeastern region.

In a development described as unprecedented, the terrorists were said to have abducted a serving Brigade Commander alongside other military personnel during the assault.

HumAngle, in its report, stated, “ISWAP fighters last night ambushed a Nigerian military convoy, killing several soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

“In an unprecedented escalation, the insurgents abducted a Brigade Commander alongside other troops.”

However, the Nigerian Army denied reports claiming that the 25 Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. U. Uba, was kidnapped by the insurgents.

Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Saturday, admitted that the troops came under sudden and heavy insurgent fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

The army spokesperson said the team courageously fought through the insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission.

She said the team comprised troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

“During the encounter, two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation.

“The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going around some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander.

“The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant servicemen and women,” she said.