ISWAP: Army Confirms Killing Of Brig. General, Three Soldiers In Borno

The Nigerian Army on Saturday disclosed that troops of Joint Task Force, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ have killed several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a clash in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State.

Ezenwoko’s Blog had earlier reports that the terrorists had attacked a military base in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno State after storming the town.

Witnesses disclosed that the terrorists were spotted in a long convoy of gun trucks along Ngude axis towards Askira.

The terrorists were said to have stormed the town with massive arsenal of movable weapons and high calibre equipment.

Residents of the affected community noted that they reported the movement of the terrorists to security operatives but no action was taken until they attacked Askira town hours later.

The attack by terrorists resulted in the killing of a Brigadier-General in the Nigerian Army after he was ambushed alongside other soldiers in Bulguma.

Confirming the attack in a statement to newsmen, Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed that the General killed was Brig-Gen Dzarma Zirkusu, the Commander of the Army’s Special Forces.

Nwachukwu said, “In the fierce encounter which is still raging as at the time of filing this report, troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK have destroyed five A – Jet combat trucks, two A-29 artillery weapons, two Dragon combat vehicles and nine Gun Trucks.

“Sadly, a gallant senior officer Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice in a very rare display of gallantry as they provided reinforcement in a counteroffensive against the terrorists, and successfully defended the location.

“The family of the senior officer and soldiers have been contacted.

“The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya deeply commiserates with the families and relations of the fallen heroes.

“He has also directed that the troops continue in the ferocious counteroffensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.”