* Brig- Gen, 3 soldiers pay supreme sacrifice
Many fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed during battle with the Nigerian military.
The terrorists had invaded Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday morning.
A source close to the matter also told our correspondent that ISWAP fighters struck at about 9am on Saturday.
The source added that a Brigadier-General and some officers were killed during the confrontation.
He however disclosed that both ground and air troops have been bombarding the terrorists.
Speaking on the matter in a statement made available on Saturday evening, the Nigerian Army spokesman, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed that the battle was ongoing.
He added that apart from killing the terrorists, troops had destroyed many of their gun trucks.
Nwachukwu said, “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 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 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 (COAS), 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.”
