General, 3 soldiers killed in ISWAP attack in Borno

The Nigerian Army has thrown light on the circumstances under which Commander of the Special Forces, Brig-Gen Dzarma Zirkusu, and three soldiers lost their lives in the war front yesterday, Saturday, November 13, 2021.

It disclosed that the deaths occurred during fierce fighting between troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) were locked in fierce combat with Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) terrorists in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Confirming the killings, Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement: “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.”