ISWAP terrorists kill army General, 3 soldiers as battle rages in Borno

Nigerian Army says militants of the terrorist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have killed an army General and three soldiers, as troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, battle the terrorists in Borno, north east Nigeria.

The army said its troops have killed several of the ISWAP terrorists in an ongoing war in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Nigerian Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Saturday evening, gave the name of the slain army chief as Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu.

The army statement reads in full: “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.

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“Sadly, a gallant senior officer Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu 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.”