By Ahmed Kingimi

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (Reuters) -Militants from Islamic State West Africa Province said on Monday they had executed a senior Nigerian army officer captured during a deadly ambush on a military convoy, in what would mark an unprecedented escalation in the 16-year insurgency.

The convoy, led by Brigadier-General M. Uba of the 25 Task Force Brigade, was returning from a patrol near Wajiroko village in northeastern Borno state late on Friday when it came under sustained gunfire, the army said.

Four military personnel were confirmed killed.

The army spokesperson did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment, but an earlier statement denied reports that Uba had been abducted, describing them as “fake news” and urging the public to disregard unverified claims circu

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