COMMENTARY
“We Are Not Sure That He Is Dead… He Is Classified as Missing in Action, Not Killed in Action Yet” — Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa Speaks on Fate of Abducted Brigadier General Musa Uba
The Nigerian military has clarified that it is not yet certain that Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was reportedly abducted by insurgents of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), is dead, as his body has not been recovered.
This assurance was given by the Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, who disclosed that the senior officer is currently classified as “missing in action,” contrary to speculations circulating in some quarters that he had been killed.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, General Musa explained that the absence of any physical evidence, particularly the recovery of Uba’s remains, makes it impossible for the military to confirm his death at this time.
He noted that operational patterns of ISWAP often involve leaving behind the bodies of those they kill, a factor which further strengthens the uncertainty surrounding Uba’s fate.
According to the Defence Minister, there are also unverified reports and rumors suggesting that Brigadier General Uba may still be alive, fueling hope within the military hierarchy and among Nigerians.
General Musa emphasized that security forces have not relented in their efforts and are intensifying operations aimed at locating and safely recovering the abducted officer from the terrorists’ custody.
In General Musa’s words:
*We are not sure that he is dead, because we have not seen any corpse yet. Normally what they (ISWAP) do when they shoot is they leave the body for you to recover.
“So he is classified as missing in action, not killed in action yet. We heard rumors that he is still alive, we are hopeful that he is still alive”
The development underscores the complex and unpredictable nature of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where security agencies continue to battle ISWAP and other terrorist groups.
Brigadier General Musa Uba’s disappearance has generated widespread concern within military circles and among the general public, given his rank and strategic importance within the armed forces.
As efforts continue, the military has urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive, assuring that all necessary resources are being deployed to ensure the safe return of the senior officer.
For now, the fate of Brigadier General Uba remains uncertain, but the military insist
s hope is still alive.