Army, ISWAP continue battle of Askira 8 hrs counting; many terrorists killed, gun trucks destroyed; general, 3 others down

As the Nigerian Army and ISWAP continue their battle at Askira, Borno, the military authority has given a heads-up on the encounter: Many fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) have been killed, and many of their 16 gun trucks destroyed.

The battle is in its eighth hours as at the time of the update.

The terrorists invaded Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno  state on Saturday morning, around 9.

In a statement on Saturday evening, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Army spokesman, confirmed “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 filling 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 counter offensive against the terrorists, and successfully defended the location. 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. He has also directed that the troops continue in the ferocious counter offensive and hot pursuit to eliminate the remnant of the fleeing terrorists.”