A Gallant Warrior Rests
Today we honour Brigadier General Muhammed Uba of the Nigerian Army—a senior officer whose recent death, claimed by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) after an ambush near Wajiroko in Borno State, has shocked the nation. While the Army has officially denied his capture or execution, the militant group insists they killed him.
Brig. Gen. Uba exemplified what it means to serve with dignity, courage and devotion. In his final moments, he reportedly remained calm and resolute—sending the message “I’ll raise my peak cap once I see air component” as he awaited rescue. He led the 25 Task Force Brigade in operations against insurgents; his sacrifice reminds us that freedom and unity are often maintained at great cost.
His Virtues
He stood on the frontline of Nigeria’s struggle for peace, putting himself in harm’s way so others might sleep safely.
He demonstrated composure under fire and a steadfast belief in the mission—even when the odds were grim.
He embodied leadership not by staying in the rear, but by walking with the troops, sharing their hardships.
Above all, he believed in the value of sovereignty, unity and service to the people of Nigeria.
A Prayer for the General & His Family
Lord, we lift up the soul of Brig. Gen. Uba—may You receive him into rest and light, and may perpetual peace shine upon him. Comfort his family in this time of grief. Give them strength, hope and the assurance that his life made a difference. We pray also for every soldier who, like him, stands guard over this nation: sustain them, protect them, honour them.
Tribute to Our Soldiers
Nothing—not money, status, or fame—can equate this level of patriotic service. Our armed forces carry burdens we cannot fully see: waking up to danger, leaving loved ones behind, enduring harsh conditions, facing an enemy that knows no mercy. We must appreciate them—not just in words but in understanding, trust, and support.
Why Appreciation Matters
Our civil-military relationship must be rooted in mutual respect. For the Army to fight effectively, for trust to hold, Nigerians from all walks of life, all classes and professions—must recognise: the armed forces are our protectors. They serve the country. They preserve our sovereignty and unity. They deserve encouragement, support and understanding.
The Bigger Picture: The Cost of the Conflict
Since the insurgency by Boko Haram began around 2009, Nigeria has endured tens of thousands of deaths, millions displaced, and ongoing insecurity. In recent months, reports indicate that at least 35 soldiers were killed in a three-week span fighting insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
Whilst exact annual figures for the Nigerian military’s casualties are difficult to verify publicly, one of the deadliest individual ambushes in recent history is the 2022 Shiroro ambush where 34 soldiers died. These numbers serve as a stark reminder: the cost of peace is high, and every fallen soldier signals how much remains to be done.
Call to the Nation
Honour the memory of Brig. Gen. Uba by recognising that the war is not abstract—it affects real men and women who give everything.
Support the Nigerian Army through acknowledging their work, engaging with them respectfully, and promoting policies that strengthen their capacity and welfare.
Foster unity among civilians and military alike: when citizens trust their armed forces and the armed forces trust their citizens, the nation is stronger.
Encourage government and civic institutions to invest in the welfare, training, equipment and mental health of our troops—because they give their all so the rest of us may live in peace.
May Brigadier General Uba rest in honour. May his sacrifice awaken deeper gratitude in all our hearts. And may the Nigerian Army stand firm, respected, supported—and may we all strive for the day when their service is no longer taken for granted, when our nation can turn from war to peace, from defence to renewal.
We hereby honour him with the award of a Patriot per Excellence from the National Patriots Movement.
We commiserate with the Minister of Defence, CoAS, CDS and other Armed Forces & Paramilitary formations on this sad loss. May the soul of the departed rest in eternal peace. Amen. It is now more than ever important to restrategise and ensure Nigeria wins this insurgency war at all cost and by all means in honour of the departed members.
Princess Gloria Adebajo-Fraser MFR.
The National Patriots Movement.
