The Nigerian Army on Saturday confirmed the death of Brig. Gen. Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers in an attack by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the Askira Uba local government area of Borno State.
Spokesman for the army, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement entitled ‘Operation Hadin Kai: Troops neutralize several ISWAP terrorists destroy, equipment in Askira Uba encounter.’
He said the troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation Hadin Kai were engaged in a fierce gun battle with the terrorists which led to the death of the soldiers.
“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,” he said.
It was gathered that the Islamic militants invaded the town in the early hours of Saturday.
They were said to have come with 12 gun trucks, four of which were burnt down by troops of the Nigerian troops during the encounter.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari and the governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum, have condoled with the military over the death of the soldiers
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu, entitled ‘President Buhari, nation mourn martyred general,’ said he was saddened to hear about the death of the general and three soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice in a rare display of gallantry as they tried to help their compatriots in the war against terrorists.
“Nigeria has lost brave soldiers. I salute their courage. May their souls rest in peace. General Zirkusu leaves us sad and devastated. The soldier in him will remain immortal. I pray to the Almighty to give you and the bereaved families the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”
For his part, Zulum commended the Nigerian military for its resilience in a battle with the terrorist group.
In a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Isa Gusau, the governor while commiserating with the military over the loss of some military officers, thanked the fallen heroes for what he called “their supreme sacrifices to the Nigerian Nation.”
He said the people of Borno will remain forever grateful to them and all fallen heroes, and will remain fully supported of gallant troops currently operating in front lines.
The governor also commiserated with the residents affected by the attack.
“Today’s unfortunate incident in Askira Uba Local Government Area reminds us that while our military, other armed forces, volunteers and all stakeholders make combined severe efforts towards peace-building; while many insurgents surrender their arms to toe the path of peace and while reclaimed communities witness return of peace and access to livelihoods, some insurgents are hell-bent on ensuring we do not fully regain peace.
“The goal of these categories of insurgents should challenge us to remain focused and ceaselessly commit ourselves to support our troops in many ways, particularly with logistics on the part of the government, and with credible information and prayers on the part of all of us as people of Borno State,” Zulum said.
