ISWAP kill General, others in attack on military base

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of a Brigadier General in an attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Borno State.

The late military brass, Brig. Gen. Dzarma Zirkushu, was the commander of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, in the state.

According to a statement by the Army, the General and the other officers were killed during an attack on a military base in Askira town in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday morning.

The terrorists reportedly engaged the troops in a fierce gun duel that lasted for over five hours and forced residents of the town to scamper for safety, with hundreds of residents fled to mountains and nearby villages following the attack.

A statement by the Nigerian Army on the death of the General reads:

“The Nigerian Army has confirmed the killing of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu, The terrorists killed the general, alongside three other soldiers, while on their way to reinforce troops at Bungulwa village, near Askira Uba.

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“Troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI 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 counter offensive 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 counter offensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists,” the statement said.