Nigerian Soldiers Launch Counter-Offensive after Brigadier-General’s Death, Kill 50 ISWAP Fighters in Borno
- In what could be termed as revenge mission, troops of the Nigerian soldiers have killed over 50 ISWAP fighters in Borno
- The terrorists were killed in a counter-offensive launched by the soldiers following the murder of Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu and three others
- The Nigerian Army also listed the dangerous equipment in the hands of the terrorists which were destroyed/recovered
Askira Uba LGA, Borno state - Troops of the Nigerian Army’s operation Hadin Kai have launched a counter-offensive, killing over 50 fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Askira Uba local government area of Borno state.
Recall that ISWAP had, on Saturday, November 13, killed Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu, a commander of the army’s 28 task force brigade, and three other soldiers who were on way to support other troops in the area.
Source: Facebook
However, in a statement on Monday, November 15, Onyema Nwachukwu, army spokesperson, said troops in the counter-offensive also destroyed combat equipment used by the insurgents.
The statement read:
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“Troops of Joint Task Force, North East(NE), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised over 50 Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and destroyed several of their combat equipment in a fierce counter offensive in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
“In the counter offensive, troops eliminated top commanders of ISWAP as well as foot soldiers. The gallant troops also unleashed massive destruction on the terrorists’ Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle and several Gun Trucks.
“It would be recalled that 115 Task Force Battalion had an encounter with ISWAP terrorists in Askira Uba on 13 November 2021, during which the troops aggressively defended their location and followed up with a ferocious counter attack. Unfortunately, the Commander 28 Task Force Brigade alongside three of his soldiers paid the supreme price, as they reinforced troops to defend the location."
Nwachukwu said the troops caught up with the fleeing terrorists at Leho village where many of them were eliminated.
The statement added:
“While the battle raged, the gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, supported by Air Component of OPHK engaged the terrorists in a hot pursuit. Troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists at Leho village within Askira Uba LGA and in the encounter that ensued, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed their combat equipment."
Equipment destroyed or recovered
The army spokesman listed the terrorists' equipment destroyed and recovered as follow:
- An MRAP vehicle
- 11 Gun Trucks.
- Large cache of arms and ammunition (recovered)
- Five Gun Trucks
- Two Anti Aircraft Guns
- Five AK 47 rifles
- One HK Machine Gun
- One HK Machine Gun links
Nwachukwu added that troops also later discovered 3 corpses of the fleeing terrorists and recovered 2,560 rounds of 7.62mm Special and 29 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition abandoned by them.
He added that Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has also led a team of senior officers to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late commander.
IED uncovered during patrol
In a separate operation, Nwachukwu said troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and uncovered an improvised explosive device (IED) during a patrol in Karawa village and Baga fish dam area, respectively.
He, however, said the IED has been safely detonated by a team from the explosive ordnance disposal unit.
Nigerians react on Facebook
Bitrus Iyangnde II said:
"I Commiserate with the Family and the Nigerian Army on the Sudden Demise of the Commander 28 Task force Brigade Along side three of his Soldier who paid the Supreme Price, as they Reinforced Troop to Repel and Defend the Location that was Attacked.
"May their Soul Rest in Peace. I most Comments and Boost the Morale of our Troop on the Successful Victory Recorded in Restoring Normal Activities in the mentioned area above."
Andrew Owonipa said:
"This is commendable, but would the Nigerian military wait until they kill our soldiers before these terrorists are decimated?
"The Lord God Almighty will Continue to Strengthen You."
Sb Abubakar said:
"We will not get tired to the pray for our soldiers may the lord in heaven continue to guide them protect them by his mercy amen "
Raheem Ismailah said:
"May Allah forgive the departed gallant heroes, may our nation's security continue winning the battle against all forms of threats to national security survival."
Garba Shehu shares emotional throwback photo of general killed by ISWAP
Meanwhile, Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant, media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, November 15, shared a throwback photo of late Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu.
The presidential spokesman in a post shared on Facebook, revealed that both Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Zirkusu are from the same village.
In the photo, Mustapha was seen addressing the people of his community after a Boko Haram attack left over 20 people dead in Danga community.
Source: Legit.ng
