Troops eliminate ISWAP fighters, vehicles, weapons in Borno

… sadly lost Brig. Gen. Zirkusu, 3 soldiers

Abiodun OBA

Troops have succeeded in eliminating many of the rampaging fighters of Islamic State of West Africa, ISWAP, their vehicles and weapons in a daring battle in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Sadly, a senior military officer, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers gallantly fell.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations announced this adding that the battle against the ISWAP insurgents was still going on as at Saturday after when he issued the statement.

Nwachukwu said, “In the fierce encounter which is still raging as at the time of filling 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 diplay 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.

ISWAP launched the attack on Askira Uba, hours after report that some commanders of the terrorist group were killed during sustained aerial bombardments from the military jets, when they were holding a meeting with their new leader, Sani Shuwaram, at Sabon Tumbun and Jibularam, in Marte Local Government Area in Borno State.

Quoting a military intelligence officer, PRNigeria reports that the ISWAP terrorists, who invaded the Askira Uba town on Saturday also destroyed telecommunication masts with guns and other firearms in their possession, forcing residents to flee.

“A military commander was killed in an ambush while leading troops on reinforcement operation. Some soldiers were also killed.

“Another group of terrorists attacked Mulai village, close to Maiduguri and rustled some cattle while another gang of fighters attacked a communication mast and health centre in Buni Yadi, Yobe State and carted away generator set and drugs.

“Meanwhile, at Ngamdu, in Kaga Local Government of Borno, ISWAP terrorists suffered a devastating blow in the hands of the troops, unfortunately, three Special Force operatives paid the Supreme sacrifice during the encounter.”