Nigeria: Troops Neutralize ISWAP Commander, 36 Other Fighters In Borno
After the death of a senior army officer, Nigerian troops launched a violent military offensive in Askira Uba, Borno State, killing a top-ranking commander of the Islamic State of West Africa Province and other terrorists.
On Saturday, the ISWAP terrorists killed Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkushu, the Commander of the 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, and three other soldiers while on their way to reinforce troops at Bungulwa village, near Askira Uba, in retaliation for the killing of their members by military jets on Friday.
The Nigerian troops, who had tactically withdrew during the offensive, were reportedly reinforced and ambushed by the ISWAP commander, who was killed along with his fighters at the Askira Uba axis.
Over 30 bodies of rebels killed on Saturday have been retrieved, according to a military source, though troops are still combing the surrounding bushes near Askira Uba.
According to the source, Nigerian troops destroyed and recovered nine gun vehicles, an Armoured Personnel Carrier, and one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protector.
Speaking on Sunday he said, “This morning while we are still mopping the area, we have so far counted 37 corpses of the terrorists, while one of their leaders, a Commander, who was arrested for further investigation, died in custody this morning.
“We also recovered dozens of sophisticated guns during the clearance operation.”
It was also gathered that life has returned to normal in Askira Uba as the villagers hailed the proactive response of the Nigerian military after the sudden invasion of their community by the ISWAP elements on Saturday.
