The Nigerian Army headquarters in Abuja has announced the death of a senior officer and at least three soldiers, who were killed in a shootout with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to the army hierarchy, the deceased senior officer, identified as Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu, and his soldiers were said to have been killed while providing reinforcement in a counteroffensive against the terrorists, successfully defending the location.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema, who made the announcement in a statement, said the soldiers supported by the Air Component of OPHK have destroyed five A-Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles, and nine gun trucks manned by the terrorists.
Read Also: ISWAP Kidnaps Royal Family Members In Borno
Nwachukwu said in a statement issued in Abuja which was obtained by Africa Daily News, New York, that; ‘Troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI have neutralized several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during a recent encounter in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State. 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, two A-29, 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.’
Similarly, Africa Daily News, New York reports that the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Tuesday abducted a prince, Mohammed Askira in Borno.
He was taken alongside two brothers; all belong to the royal family of Askira/Uba Emirate.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
