A Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers have been killed in an ambush by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai, however, neutralized several terrorists in the fierce encounter which is still raging as at the time of filling this report.
Army spokesman Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement that “Troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK have destroyed five A – Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles and nine Gun Trucks.
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“Sadly, a gallant senior officer Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice in a very rare diplay of gallantry as they provided reinforcement in a counter offensive against the terrorists, and successfully defended the location. The family of the senior officer and soldiers have been contacted.”
Dateline Nigeria learnt that the Brig General and other soldiers killed were on their way to provide reinforcement to troops in Askira Uba when they were ambushed.
Meanwhile, 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 ferrocious counter offensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.
