President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the deaths of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and other soldiers killed in an ambush by fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Buhari, who urged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya to accept his heartfelt condolences and that of the nation, conveyed same to the members of the families of those martyred.
The President, in a statement issued Saturday by his media aide, Garba Shehu, said the deceased 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 pray to the Almighty to give you and the bereaved families the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss,” said the President in the statement titled “President Buhari, Nation Mourn Martyred General.”
It would be recalled that Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu was shot dead in an ambush by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
Four other soldiers were reportedly killed in the incident which occurred at Bulguma, few kilometers from Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area.
It was gathered that troops of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, had mobilised to provide reinforcement in Askira, which was under attack.
Daily Trust had reported how ISWAP fighters stormed the town in a large convoy of gun trucks.
A local guard had said they stormed a military base and engaged soldiers in gunfire.
The troops were ambushed while on their way to provide support for the soldiers battling the insurgents.
“It’s a sad day for us at theatre of war; we lost Brigadier Commander, Brigade General and soldiers who were on their way to support our troops at Askira were ambushed and shot dead by ISWAP fighters. We are sad,” a security source said.
The source added that fighters jets have bombarded the deadly groups but the details are not available.
The attack happened hours after National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), said splintering of the Boko Haram terrorist group into ISWAP was affecting the fight against terrorism.
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