Nigeria witnessed a series of violent attacks across multiple states between 14 and 17 November 2025, reflecting the widening reach of insurgent and armed groups in both the northeast and northwest regions.

ISWAP Ambush on Borno Highway

On 14 November 2025, suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) ambushed a Nigerian military convoy along the Damboa–Biu road, near Wajiroko in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State Northeast Nigeria.

A Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member, who requested anonymity due to security concerns, told Ndarason that the attackers opened fire on the convoy, killing two soldiers and two CJTF members. At least seven security personnel were initially missing, including Brigadier General M. Uba, the senior commander overseeing operations in the area.

“One of those missing later returned, and we are still hoping the others come back safely,” the CJTF member said. He added that the Damboa–Biu road has remained unsafe for months. “We are now making preparations to ensure such incidents do not occur again.”

Army Confirms Deaths, Denies Commander Missing — Until Image Emerges

The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued on 15 November, confirmed the deaths of two soldiers and two CJTF operatives but dismissed reports that Brigadier General Uba was among the missing.

However, by Monday, 17 November, ISWAP released an Arabic statement through its propaganda outlet Amaq, claiming it had captured and executed the senior officer after interrogation. The faction also circulated a collage with a photo of General Uba in his office beside another image purportedly showing him after his capture.

The group alleged that its fighters brought down the officer during the ambush and captured him after he attempted to flee the attack near Wajirko. ISWAP said that once it received information that the commander had escaped, a team of its fighters launched a search and apprehended him in a nearby village, where he was already wounded.

The circulated image shows his camouflage trousers stained with blood around the legs. ISWAP claimed it interrogated him before killing him on the spot and ridiculed the Nigerian Army’s earlier denial, calling it “a complete falsehood and a miserable security failure.”

The Army has yet to issue an updated public statement in response to the new evidence.

UNIMAID Professor Abducted on Gwoza Road

In a separate incident, Professor Dani Mamman, a senior academic in the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Maiduguri and former chairman of ASUU (UNIMAID branch), was abducted on Friday, 14 November, along the Madagali–Gwoza axis.

He was returning from an ASUU zonal meeting in Yola when suspected Boko Haram insurgents ambushed his vehicle.

A family member told Ndarason that his phone went off around 9 a.m, and after frantic efforts, it was confirmed that he had been taken by insurgents.

“Beyond confirming his abduction, we have heard nothing. We are calling on the government to act urgently because the situation is beyond our capacity,” the family member said.

Attempts by Ndarason to reach officials of the Department of Islamic Studies and the UNIMAID ASUU branch for updates were unsuccessful.

Landmine Blast Kills Hunter, Injures Others in Gwoza

Early on Sunday, a landmine explosion in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State Northeast Nigeria claimed the life of a local hunter and wounded several other residents who were heading to their farms. Security sources believe the device was planted by Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, who often booby-trap routes used by civilians and security personnel.

Bandits Kill Vice-Principal, Abduct 25 Students in Kebbi

In the northwest, armed bandits attacked the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS) in Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, at around 5 a.m. on Monday, 17 November 2025.

The attackers killed the Vice-Principal, Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducted 25 female students. Maga has faced repeated attacks in recent months, heightening concerns about school security and the vulnerability of rural communities.

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, condemned the attack, calling it unacceptable and urging security agencies to move quickly and work together to locate the missing students. He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed security structures in the state to launch immediate rescue efforts to ensure the girls are recovered unharmed. The Minister appealed for calm in the affected communities as government authorities and security forces work to address the situation.

Rukaiya Ahmed Alibe