The Nigerian Army says militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are planning to kill more military commanding officers following the death of Brig Gen Dzarma Zirkusu.

Zirkusu, until his death, was the commander of the 28 Task Force in Chibok.

SaharaReporters had reported that ISWAP fighters on Saturday engaged Nigerian troops at a military base in Askira, Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State in a gun battle.

Some civilians had said they sighted the terrorists in a long convoy of gun trucks along Ngude axis towards Askira. The civilians added that they reported the movement of the terrorists to security forces but no action was taken before the deadly group stormed Askira town hours later.

Hours after the incident, Director, Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement said a Brigadier General and three other soldiers were killed.

While he identified the slain senior officer as Zirkusu, the army spokesperson was silent on the identities of the junior officers killed.

In a military signal seen by SaharaReporters on Monday, the army authorities claimed the terrorists are planning to target more senior officers and commanders.

It added that a “battle could have been lost if a commander is killed.”

The signal read in full, “At about 130915A Nov 21, following attack on troops of115 Task Force Battalion Askira Uba by ISWAP terrorists, troops of 25 Brigade led by Brigade Commander, Brig Gen MF Babayo (N/10211) in conjunction with troops of 28TF Brigade carried out reinforcement to Askira. While on pursuit of the terrorist, troops made contact with the terrorist at Leho Village (N10°42'10.22" E12°50'47.76" in Askira LGA.

“During the contact, own MRAP conveying the Brigade Commander deliberately rammed ISWAPs MRAP which led to destruction of ISWAPs MRAP while own MRAP engulfed in fire. However, the Brigade Commander and the MRAP crew were able to get out of the MRAP but the commander had serious chest injury due to the head on collision. Casualties on troops are one soldier and one CJTF WIA while equipment casualties are one x Phantom MRAP, 3 x AA Guns (2 DAMAGED), one x AK47 rifle, 2 x AK 47 Magazine and 60 x 7.62mm (SPECIAL) rounds. Enemy casualties are over 50 terrorists elements (including their commander) were killed. Enemies one x MRAP and 5 x GTs destroyed while tps recovered 3 x GTs, 2 x AA guns, 5 x AK47 rifles, one x HK MG and one x HK MG links were recovered.

“At about 131745A Nov 21, the WIA were evacuated to 7 DMSH for further medical Management. Reinforcement team returned to HQ 25TF Bde Damboa at about 2000hours same day. Please find pictures attached. One of the major elements in battle is the Commander. Commanders of 25TF and 28TF Brigades put up amazing direction of command leading troops into battle.

“Unfortunately, the 25TF Brigade Commander lost his life in the process. It is quite heroic but not to good that commanders are found in the fore front to lead battles. If the command should fall, then troops have not direction or fighting spirit. It is one of the rules of warfare that the battle could have been lost if a commander is killed; hence soldiers could retreat.

“It should be note that ISWAP intends to follow this suit by targeting commanders. Commanders are now eager to motivate and inspire soldiers where moral is low. It is only significant that troops be always encouraged to show professionalism in the face of existing threats to fight without recourse the enemy of the State. Such motivational aspects of military trade craft should be encouraged as well as discipline while the Commanders highly directs and request appropriate from ASA need items and CAS to support the battle. Kindly forwarded for your information.”

The ISWAP in a statement released on Sunday night had claimed 17 soldiers were killed.

According to the group, 13 soldiers were killed when its fighters attacked troops at a military base in Askira town while four others including Brigadier General Zirkus were killed during an ambush at Bulguma, a few kilometres from Askira.

ISWAP added that it razed down the army camp, a four-wheel vehicle and another armored vehicle parked inside the base.

The militants also said another vehicle, a tank, different weapons, and ammunition were captured during the incident.

http://saharareporters.com/2021/11/16/exclusive-iswap-fighters-planning-kill-more-military-commanders-%E2%80%93-nigerian-army-sends
Lalasticlala
Mynd44

tell Buhari and his cabinet all those stories

We the civilians urge the Military to remain calm and go about their daily business as we work to fish out those planning the attack. We have arranged an elite Nairaland squad that will monitor all YouTube and MTV videos looking for the suspects.
Once again the army should remain calm and trust us the civilians.
One Nigeria.

With the recent success recorded by the military in killing Isawp top leaders, ISWAP is trying to gain some propaganda points to use in recruitment of new members

The Nigerian Army says militants from the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) are planning to kill more military commanding officers following the death of Brig Gen Dzarma Zirkusu.

We urge the Nigerian Army to allow ISWAP to kill more Military commanding officers and also remain calm and law abiding and go about their lawful duties while normalcy will be restored to the affected areas and perpetrators brought to book in due time - Presidency

Nooo.... ISWAP and bandits are common criminals scavenging for food. They should send all the commanders to the East to fight IPOB/ESN cos they are the major problem while the north is overrun by the 'common criminals'.
Get an industry standard, custom and eye-catching 3D animation to advertise and promote your business this Xmas.
You have a script that you would love to see as a high quality animation?
You've got the right person for the job.
Hit me up on whatsapp with the number on my signature ASAP.
Here's a nairaland link to my portfolio, you can also check my profile for more of my works.

Iswap should speak better language to Nigeria terrorist.

Buhari please resign

Na wa o

Anybody who did foresee this coming needs to see an eye doctor.
My apologies to NK , IPOB , ESN for taking their warning for granted

Military commanders right now

What is the signal here abeg? It's like EFCC sending a signal that online scammers are planning to scam more people..

Let them deal with ISWAP the way they dealt with unarmed protesters at Lekki toll gate.


Cowardice Army

it is finished. terrorists want to take over military.
buhari should just resign
only God can save

The stop their insane plan from being successfully executed

<<umu nairaland i need a loan of 28500>>

Tinubu4presiden:
iGBO tribe,are the initial problem calamity of this nation.before our colonial Master left us to rule out selves,which it's Yoruba people that lead the struggle of freedom.the agreement we had with colonial Master is REGIONAL govt.its iGBO man as a military head of state that introduce UNITARY system of government, just because he didn't want AWOLOWO to controls WESTERN.resource pure jealous of yoruba.hatred.even when AGBARI OJUKWU is fighting for Biafra the Nnamdi Azikiwe never supported his.his busy shouting ONE Nigeria.......so any Biafra should be cruch like powder......
iGBO cause the Nigeria problems

You guys don't rest

BKayy:


We the civilians urge the Military to remain calm and go about their daily business as we work to fish out those planning the attack. We have arranged an elite Nairaland squad that will monitor all YouTube and MTV videos looking for the suspects.
Once again the army should remain calm and trust us the civilians.
One Nigeria.

Well said

They go kill you all...


Better carry your bags and pick race commot from camp unless they go just waste una Saara...

Nigeria army

The "Hunter" has now become the "hunted".

In his prophecy, MNK...."I'll draw their armies to the East" by the time the few of them returns to their place, they won't have a place to call home.

Common bandit
According to FG.
They are yet to proscribe BOko Haram Terrorists

Tinubu4presiden:
iGBO tribe,are the initial problem calamity of this nation.before our colonial Master left us to rule out selves,which it's Yoruba people that lead the struggle of freedom.the agreement we had with colonial Master is REGIONAL govt.its iGBO man as a military head of state that introduce UNITARY system of government, just because he didn't want AWOLOWO to controls WESTERN.resource pure jealous of yoruba.hatred.even when AGBARI OJUKWU is fighting for Biafra the Nnamdi Azikiwe never supported his.his busy shouting ONE Nigeria.......so any Biafra should be cruch like powder......
iGBO cause the Nigeria problems

Enough of " igbos are the problem " let them have Biafra and they will gladly leave

sematec:
it is finished. terrorists want to take over military.
buhari should just resign
only God can save

Only the living can resign.

Bola146:
tell Buhari and his cabinet all those stories

Epic

Good news. Kill all of them and pillage their villages.

When they're done with their attrocities in SE they will have nowhere to return to. Ndị ara.

DropsMic:
What is the signal here abeg? It's like EFCC sending a signal that online scammers are planning to scam more people..

Your sense dey overflow

I’m seeing M rap M rap everywhere,abi Nigerian military Don Join music industry??