How ISWAP terrorists avenge killing of its commanders on Gen. Zirkushu— Ndume

The Senator representing Borno South,  Senator Ali Ndume, has described the killing of the Commander of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, Brig-Gen. Dzarma Zirkushu, on Saturday by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters as a revenge mission.

Solacebase reports that ISWAP terrorists had in a reprisal attack over the killing of their members by military jets on Friday, killed Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkushi, the commander of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok alongside three other soldiers, while on their way to reinforce troops at Bungulwa village, near Askira Uba on Saturday.

It was gathered that the Nigerian troops, who had tactically retreated, regrouped, reinforced and ambushed the ISWAP Commander and eliminated his fighters at Askira Uba axis.

A military source confirmed that over 30 bodies of the insurgents killed on Saturday.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army on Sunday told journalists in Abuja about the recent attacks on Askira in Borno by ISWAP terrorists during which Zirkushu, some soldiers and many terrorists were killed.

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According to him : “ISWAP terrorists attacked a town there. They knew that the General was the major obstacle to their operation. They laid an ambush and rammed a bomb-laden car into his vehicle.

“He was a gallant soldier. He took the fight to the terrorists. His death has sent a panic to people in that area.”

The Senator also raised the alarm that ISWAP fighters were regrouping in the Lake Chad axis.

Ndume said though the troops had been taking out key ISWAP commanders in Borno, the intensity of the attack on Askira was worrisome and urged other security agencies to give the army the needed support.

The lawmaker appealed to residents around Chibok area to be calm and not relocate, assuring that the Nigerian Army has what it takes to take the fight to the insurgents.

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He said: “I want to express my condolences to the Nigerian Army over the death of the General who died along Chibok road.

“For now, we’ll assume that it was an isolated case. But the intensity with which they came is worrisome.

“They (terrorists) came with more than 10 gun trucks. They’re also regrouping around Borno North. That’s Lake Chad axis.

“The military is aware and the Air Force is providing surveillance in the area. It was a revenge mission. The army has been taking out key ISWAP commanders and they had their revenge.”