The Nigerian Army on Saturday evening confirmed the killing of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers during a counter-attack and reinforcement against Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Northeast Nigeria.
Army Spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has also deployed an array of equipment and platform towards destroying the elements of ISWAP or their terror counterparts anywhere in Askira Uba and other areas of the Northeast.
The Army’s statement was titled, “OPERATION HADIN KAI:TROOPS NEUTRALIZE SEVERAL ISWAP TERRORISTS DESTROY,EQUIPMENT IN ASKIRA UBA ENCOUNTER.’
According to the statement signed by General Nwachukwu, “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 filling this report, troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK have deployed five A – Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat with which they destroyed nine Gun Trucks and One APC.
“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 ferrocious counter offensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.”