The continuous onslaught by the Nigerian military against insurgents in the northeast region of the country has cut short the life of a Brigadier-General and four other soldiers following an ambush by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
According to reports, the incident occurred at Bulguma, few kilometers from Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area.
The troops killed were part of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, mobilised to provide reinforcement in Askira, which was under attack.
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Prior to this, Daily Trust had reported how ISWAP fighters stormed the town in a large convoy of gun trucks.
ISWAP fighters stormed the military base of the soldiers as they were heading to provide support for the soldiers battling the insurgents, a local guard said.
“It’s a sad day for us at theatre of war; we lost Brigadier Commander (names withheld). The Brigade General and soldiers who were on their way support our troops at Askira were ambushed and shot dead by ISWAP fighters. We are sad,” a security source said.
The source added that fighters jets have bombarded the deadly groups but the details are not available. But in a latest confirmation of the incident by the Nigerian Army in a statement it issued, the said general was Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkushu, the commander of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok.
Spokesman, Onyeama Nwachukwu, said the troops successfully defended their location and destroyed ISWAP equipment during the battle.
“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 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.
