A Brigadier-General, who is a commander in the Nigerian Army, has been shot dead in an ambush by fighters of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.
According to Daily Trust, four other soldiers were reportedly killed in the incident which occurred at Bulguma, few kilometers from Askira town in Askira Uba Local Government Area.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that suspected fighters of ISWAP engaged the troops at a military base in the Askira/Uba LGA in a gun battle.
Some civilians had said they sighted the ISWAP fighters in a long convoy of gun trucks along Ngude axis towards Askira, early this morning.
The civilians had claimed they reported the movement of the terrorists to security forces but no action was taken before the deadly group stormed Askira town hours later.
While confirming the attacks, Engr Abdullahi Musa Askira, Deputy Speaker of Borno House Assembly, had said the insurgents and troops were currently exchanging gunfire.
“Yes, ISWAP is currently attacking Askira town. I was reliably informed that our troops are fighting them, but the residents are in the bush.
“My people told me that the insurgents came with about 16 gun trucks and there is confusion in the whole town now,” Askira said.
It was gathered that troops of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, had mobilised to provide reinforcement in Askira, which was under attack.
The troops were ambushed while on their way to provide support for the soldiers battling the insurgents.
“It’s a sad day for us at theatre of war; we lost Brigadier Commander (names withheld). The Brigade General and soldiers who were on their way to support our troops at Askira were ambushed and shot dead by ISWAP fighters. We are sad,” a security source said.
A member of the civilian Joint Task Force, Yakubu Luka, said immediately the attackers stormed the town, they went to the military base.
“We are expecting a reinforcement from the nearby community, as I am speaking with you heavy gunfire is ongoing.”
“We are appealing to the authorities to send fighter jets to support the ground soldiers. We are outnumbered; we only have five gun trucks with us.” Yakubu said.
