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-–-nigerian-army-sends

I wish them best of luck.

they will definitely meet their waterloo
the Nigerian Military will surely triumph ...

the country is solidly behind our loyal
troops in the face of this difficulties

Dey don finally hand Nigeria over to terrorists

We have committed to much funds and men into this war and I think it's time to come up with a new plan

They should target Fulani Muslim soldiers first coz they're the most heartless among them.

All middle belt senior officers are being targeted for elimination by IDWAP

The solution is more civilian JTF and some foreign legions.