A brigadier general, Dzarma Zirkusu and three other officers of the Nigerian Army have been killed by terrorist in Borno state during an encounter.
This was disclosed in a statement by Army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu.
Nwachukwu said the sad incident occurred in Askira Uba Local Government Area of the state.
Part of the statement said the troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI succeeded in neutralising several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the process.
The statement reads,
OPERATION HADIN KAI: TROOPS NEUTRALIZE SEVERAL ISWAP TERRORISTS DESTROY, EQUIPMENT IN ASKIRA UBA ENCOUNTER
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 of the time of filing this report, troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK have deployed 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.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
13 November 2021