President Bola Tinubu has confirmed the killing of Brigadier General Musa Uba, who died while on active duty combating insurgents in Borno state.
According to reports, Uba was ambushed and killed by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters during an attack on a convoy of soldiers and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, Tinubu expressed profound grief over the death of the general and other personnel, extending heartfelt condolences to their families and the military.
Tinubu also commented on the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) Maga in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi state, an incident that occurred on Monday.
He revealed that the kidnapping took place despite earlier intelligence alerts warning of a potential bandit attack.
The president commended Kebbi governor Mohammed Idris for efforts made to avert the incident.
Tinubu further directed Vice-President Kashim Shettima to travel to Kebbi to console the state government and reassure parents and guardians that the federal government is fully committed to securing the swift and safe release of the abducted girls.
Condemning the security lapse that enabled the abduction, Tinubu urged communities nationwide—particularly those in vulnerable regions—to promptly share information and intelligence with the military, police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
He emphasised that security agencies rely heavily on community cooperation to operate effectively.
“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 appealed to community leaders and residents, especially those in conflict-prone areas, to provide actionable information that can support security operations.
“Your cooperation is crucial in our fight against these security challenges,” he said.