Fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly killed a brigadier-general, Dzarma Zirkusu, and three soldiers of Nigerian soldiers, during an invasion of Askira town in the Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to a report by TheCable, the soldiers were ambushed while going to Askira to provide support for the troops already on the ground.

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“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 combat trucks, two A-29 artillery weapons, two dragon combat vehicles and nine gun trucks,” said Onyema Nwachukwu, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, while confirming the incident in a statement.

Nwachukwu said the soldiers died after fighting gallantly, and in an effort to provide reinforcement during a counteroffensive move against the terrorists.

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Onyema also said the deceased heroes successfully defended the location, despite paying the supreme price eventually.

“The family 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,” the statement reads.