Brigadier General M. Uba (also reported in several profiles as Brig. Gen. Samaila Mohammed Uba) is a senior officer of the Nigerian Army whose career spans decades in both public relations and frontline command roles.
In 2025 he became the focus of intense public attention after an ambush in Borno State that led to conflicting reports about his fate.
Profile Data
- Full Name: Samaila Mohammed Uba
- Born: 1 July 1968
- Age: ~57 (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Tudun Wada, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Kano State, Nigeria
- State of Origin: Kano State, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Occupation: Nigerian Army Officer; Brigadier General; Director of Defence Information
- Parents: Alhaji Uba and Mrs. Uba
- Spouse: Married
- Children: Yes, has children
Early life and education
Available official-style profiles indicate Brigadier General M. Uba was born in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area of Kano State. Sources report a birthdate of 1 July 1968, which places him among the experienced senior officers in the Nigerian Army. He completed his early schooling in Kano before joining the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the Short Service Combatant Course 30. These educational foundations set the stage for a career that combined communication expertise with infantry command.
Military training and qualifications
Brig. Gen. Uba trained at the NDA and later attended several advanced courses relevant to both command and strategic communications. Reports list attendance at staff and command courses including the Ghana Armed Forces Command & Staff College and the National Defence College in Bangladesh, as well as professional development tied to public relations — a skillset not common to all infantry officers. His academic background is sometimes described as including Mass Communication credentials from Bayero University Kano, which complements his postings in army public relations.
Career highlights and appointments
Over the years Brig. Gen. Uba has held a mix of staff, instructional, and command appointments. Early in his commissioned service he worked with the Directorate of Army Public Relations before moving into the Infantry Corps. In 2025 he was reported to have taken a key appointment at Defence Headquarters — stepping into roles that connected strategic communications and operational leadership. He has also been associated with command of frontline formations such as the 25 Task Force Brigade operating in Borno State, a major theatre of operations against insurgent groups.
Leadership style and reputation
Peers and reporters describe Brig. Gen. Uba as a calm, deliberate leader who blends communications savvy with operational focus. Accounts emphasize approachability and a hands-on leadership approach, noting he stressed professionalism with troops while understanding the sensitivity of public information during operations. This combination of skills made him a natural fit for roles where military action and public messaging intersect.
The 2025 ambush, capture claims, and official denials
In mid-November 2025, several outlets and social posts reported that Brig. Gen. M. Uba — described as the commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade — had been ambushed and taken by militants during an operation near Wajiroko/Damboa in Borno State. Some sources including militant-affiliated channels claimed he was captured and executed by ISWAP. At the same time, the Nigerian Army officially denied those claims, calling them a “fake narrative” and saying the brigadier general was not abducted and had returned with his troops. Major international agencies also covered the contested reports. Given the sensitive and fast-moving nature of the situation, multiple outlets reported different versions — some reporting capture and execution claims, others reporting army denials.
What this means (context)
The contradictory reports about Brig. Gen. Uba’s status illustrate two realities: first, that frontline engagements in northeast Nigeria are chaotic and information is often fragmented; second, that militant groups sometimes use media claims to boost perceived successes while security services may deny or counter such claims for operational and morale reasons. Independent verification is vital; reputable international outlets and investigative reporters usually take longer to corroborate field claims. For readers, that means staying cautious about single-source social posts and watching authoritative national or international reporting for confirmation.
Personal life and honours
Profiles compiled from defence-public relations and institutional write-ups note family roots in Kano State and a steady progression through ranks to brigadier. He is reported to be a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (FNIPR) — a mark of his overlap between military service and public communication work. Exact personal details beyond career and origin vary between sources; reputable profiles limit themselves to place of birth, educational background, and service record.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Brigadier General M. Uba?
Brig. Gen. M. Uba (commonly reported as Samaila Mohammed Uba in several profiles) is a senior officer of the Nigerian Army who has held roles in army public relations and frontline command, including association with the 25 Task Force Brigade.
When and where was he born?
Several profiles report his birth as 1 July 1968 in Tudun Wada, Nassarawa Local Government Area, Kano State.
What are his notable appointments?
He has served in the Directorate of Army Public Relations, the Infantry Corps, and is reported to have taken a Defence Headquarters appointment in 2025. He has also been associated with command positions in the 25 Task Force Brigade operating in Borno State.
Is it true he was captured or killed by ISWAP?
As of the latest reputable reporting, there are conflicting claims: militant channels claimed capture and execution, while the Nigerian Army has publicly denied the abduct/capture claims and said the narrative was false. Independent verification is ongoing; rely on established news organizations for confirmed updates. Sources: AP News, TheCable
Where can I find official statements about his status?
Official statements typically come from the Nigerian Army’s public relations channels and Defence Headquarters releases; established international news agencies (AP, Reuters) also report on major developments when they verify them.