By Correspondent.
Late Brig.-Gen. Zirkusu.
A senior officer, Brig.-Gen. Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers were on Saturday killed in a shootout with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema, made the disclosure in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.
He said that Zirkusu and his soldiers were killed while providing reinforcement in a counteroffensive against the terrorists,but added that the three deceased successfully defended the location.
According to him, the soldiers, supported by the Air Component of OPHK, had destroyed five A-Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles and nine gun trucks, manned by the terrorists.
Nwachukwu said:”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 remnants of the fleeing terrorists”.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
