At least one senior military officer, General Dzarma Zirkusu, and three soldiers have been killed in a fierce battle between troops of Operation HADIN KAI and terrorists of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
This is even as the troops of Operation HADIN KAI destroyed five A – Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles and nine Gun Trucks belonging to the terrorists.
The DirectorArmy Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Saturday said troops were supported by the Air Component of OPHK during the operation which led to the death of many ISWAP terrorists.
He commended Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and the three soldiers for rare diplay of gallantry as they provided reinforcement in a counter offensive against the terrorists, and successfully defended the location.
He said Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya has deeply commiserated with the families and relations of the fallen heroes while directing that the troops continue in the ferrocious counter offensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.
Family of the senior officer and soldiers have been contacted.