The death of Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers killed during a clash with ISWAP members in Borno State on Thursday, November 13 has taken many aback.
In a statement shared on his Facebook page, President Muhammadu Buhari said he was saddened by the death and has sent his condolences to the Chief of Staff as well as families of the deceased military officers.
His statement reads ”I am extremely saddened to hear of the demise of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice, in a very rare display of gallantry, as they tried to help their compatriots in the war against terrorists.
”Nigeria has lost brave soldiers. I salute their courage. May their souls Rest In Peace. General Zirkusu leaves us sad and devastated. The soldier in him will remain immortal.
”I have asked the Chief of Army Staff to accept my heartfelt condolences and that of the nation, and to convey same to the members of the families of those martyred.
”I pray to the Almighty to give the Armed Forces and the bereaved families the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.”
Before then, the Nigerian Army headquarters in Abuja had announced the death of a senior officer and three soldiers, said to have been killed in a shootout with Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, 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 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 families 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,’’ Nwachukwu added.
