The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the killing of a Nigerian Army general and three soldiers by ISWAP terrorists in Borno State.
The President who said Nigeria has lost brave soldiers as a result of the unfortunate incident, said the death of the security operatives has left him sad and devasted.
Buhari’s reaction was contained in a statement on Saturday titled ‘PRESIDENT BUHARI, NATION MOURN MARTYRED GENERAL’ by his senior special assistant on media and publicity, Garba Shehu.
This follows an earlier report by TrackNews Online that Brigadier-General Dzarma Zirkusu, a Commander of the Army’s Special Forces was killed by ISWAP terrorists in an ambush attack which also resulted in the death of other soldiers.
The terrorists had launched an attack against a military base in Askira/Uba LGA of Borno State.
Though troops of Joint Task Force, North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ also killed several of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists during the clash that ensued, some military operatives paid the supreme price in the defence of their nation.
The incident was confirmed in a statement to newsmen by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu.
Reacting, President Buhari said “he is extremely saddened to hear about the demise of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers who 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” said the President.
The President urged the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya to accept his heartfelt condolences and that of the nation, and convey same to the members of the families of those martyred.
“I pray to the Almighty to give you and the bereaved families the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss,” the President added.
