Senate pays tributes to the fallen soldiers
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Senate on Tuesday observed a minute silence to mourn the death of General Dzarma Zirkusu and four soldiers recently killed by terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a raid of insurgents by the military in Askira-Uba local government area of Borno State.
Coming under Order 43 of the Senate Rules, Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South), drew the attention of the chamber to the demise of the senior military officer and four members of the Joint Task Force.
The lawmaker hailed the deceased for their exceptional display of gallantry in the military’s fight against terrorists in North-East Nigeria.
He described the Late Brigadier General Zirkusu as “an embodiment of humility, a gallant soldier who served and died for his fatherland.”
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Ndume recalled that on Saturday, November 13, 2021, the Troops of the Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI, neutralized several Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in an encounter in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to him, “the military countered the attack by ISWAP with heavy bombardment of the insurgents, following the deployment of three fighter jets to contain the terrorists.
“Sadly, a gallant senior officer, Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu, and four soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice in a very rare display of gallantry as they provided reinforcement in a counteroffensive against the terrorists, and successfully defended the location.”
He said despite the notable losses, troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK destroyed five A-Jets, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles, and nine Gun Trucks used by ISWAP.
The late Brigadier General Zirkusu was in January 2021, redeployed from the Headquarters 1 Brigade, Gusau to Headquarters 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, and appointed Commander.
He was the highest-ranking army officer killed by terrorists in the North-East.
Senator Ndume who represents Borno South Senatorial District, had earlier explained ISWAP fighters killed Zirkusu and three soldiers in the state.
According to Ndume, they were killed to revenge the killing of ISWAP commanders by the Nigerian Army.
Ndume said Brigadier General, in particular, was killed because he was a major obstacle to the ISWAP operations in the area.
Speaking with journalists yesterday, the lawmaker said the terrorists rammed Zirkusu’s vehicle with a bomb-laden car.
In his words: “They knew that the General was the major obstacle to their operation. They laid an ambush and rammed a bomb-ladened car into his vehicle.
“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 have their revenge.
“Last week, for instance, they abducted relatives of the Emir of Askira. They also abducted some passengers along that road. If the Army sustains the temple, we will win this insurgency.