Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu, three soldiers killed as troops encounter ISWAP in Askira Uba

• Troops kill several ISWAP terrorists, destroy equipment

Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers have been killed in an encounter between troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI and members Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

Confirming the report, Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the troops also neutralized several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during the encounter.

Nwachukwu said the fierce encounter was still raging as of the time of filling this report.

He said troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK had destroyed five A – Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles and nine Gun Trucks.

He said 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.

He said the family of the senior officer and soldiers had been contacted.

Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Faruk Yahaya deeply commiserated with the families and relations of the fallen heroes and had also directed that the troops continue in the ferocious counter offensives and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnants of the fleeing terrorists.