A senior military officer has been reportedly killed during a fierce gun battle with ISWAP fighters in Borno state.
The latest development was confirmed in a statement by the Nigeria Army spokesperson Brigadier-General Nwachukwu, on Saturday evening.
According to Nwachukwu, the encounter took place in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
Despite the heavy losses suffered by the military, the Army stated that it was able to destroy some ISWAP jets as well as some gun trucks.
“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,” the statement said.
“In the fierce encounter which is still raging as at the time of filing this report, troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK have destroyed 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 counteroffensive 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 counteroffensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.”
