Four soldiers and a commander, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu, were killed on Saturday by fighters from the Islamic State of West Africa (ISWAP) province and not four as the Nigerian military claims. reported to SaharaReporters military sources.
Army public relations director Onyema Nwachukwu said in a statement that a brigadier general and three other soldiers were killed when insurgents invaded Askira town in the Askira local government area. Uba in Borno State.
While identifying the senior officer killed as Dzarma Zirkusu, the army spokesman remained silent on the identity of the junior officers killed.
“Sadly, a valiant senior officer, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice in a very rare display of bravery as they stepped up a counteroffensive against the terrorists and successfully defended the location.
“The family of the senior officer and the military have been contacted. Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya has deep compassion for the families and relationships of fallen heroes. He also ordered the troops to continue the fierce counteroffensive and the relentless pursuit to eliminate the remains of the fleeing terrorists, â€Nwachukwu said in the statement.
However, SaharaReporters exclusively obtained the photos and identities of the four junior officers killed in the attack.
The victims have been identified as: Ahmed S, Israel Ladoke, Mathew and Victor.
Suspected ISWAP fighters had engaged troops at a military base in the Askira / Uba LGA in a shootout.
Some civilians said they saw ISWAP fighters in a long convoy of armed trucks along the Ngude Axis towards Askira early this morning.
Civilians claimed to have reported the movement of terrorists to security forces, but no action was taken until the murderous group stormed the town of Askira hours later.
While confirming the attacks, Engr Abdullahi Musa Askira, deputy speaker of the Borno House Assembly, said insurgents and troops were currently exchanging gunfire.
“Yes, ISWAP is currently attacking the town of Askira. I have been reliably informed that our troops are fighting them, but the locals are in the bush.
“My people told me that the insurgents came with about 16 armed trucks and now there is confusion all over town,” Askira said.
It was established that troops from Task Force 28th Brigade, Chibok, had mobilized to provide reinforcements to Askira, which was under attack.
The troops were ambushed as they were on their way to provide support to the soldiers fighting the insurgents.
