The successful rescue of Nigerian Army troops and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives from an ISWAP ambush along the Damboa–Biu axis in Borno State has ended in tragedy, as the Brigade Commander who led the operation was later tracked down and killed by terrorists.

The senior officer, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, had earlier notified his superiors that he was safe after an intense air-ground mission that freed his men from a deadly ambush. However, credible military sources revealed that details of his safe location were intercepted, enabling the terrorists to locate and overpower him.

After capturing him, the insurgents reportedly subjected him to interrogation before executing him.

The earlier mission had begun when the commander led ground forces into what was later discovered to be a booby-trapped route. Heavy gunfire ensued, and as the number of terrorists swelled, he ordered a tactical withdrawal while sending an urgent call for air support.

Nigerian Air Force aircraft were immediately rerouted from other missions to provide close air cover, dispersing the attackers and allowing the troops and CJTF personnel to regroup and withdraw with minimal casualties. Dozens of insurgents were neutralised during the engagement.

The later killing of the commander, however, has cast a shadow over the successful rescue effort and highlights the persistent dangers faced by security forces in the North-East, as well as the urgent need to reinforce the security of operational communications in the theatre.