Breaking: Soldiers kill 50 terrorists in revenge for late Brig. Gen. Zirkusu

Nigerian troops on Monday tenaciously carried out a ground and aerial attack against members of Islamic State of Weat Africa Province fighters leading to the killing of 50 of them.

The onslaught was carried out Operation Hadin Kai in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

The killing of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three other soldiers in an attack in Askira on Saturday provoked the troops to action.

ISWAP fighters have claimed responsibility for eliminating the military Chief and others.

In a statement on Monday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General, Onyema Nwachukwu, said the troops engaged the terrorists in a counteroffensive attack and neutralised over 50 of them including top commanders of the terrorist group.

The statement was titled, ‘Update on Operation Hadin Kai: Troops neutralise scores of ISWAP terrorists, destroy equipment in Askira Uba counter-offensive.”

It read, “Troops of Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai have neutralized over 50 Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists and destroyed several of their combat equipment in a fierce counteroffensive in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.

“In the counteroffensive, troops eliminated top commanders of ISWAP as well as foot soldiers. The gallant troops also unleashed massive destruction on the terrorists’ Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle and several Gun Trucks.

“While the battle raged, the gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, supported by Air Component of OPHK engaged the terrorists in hot pursuit. Troops made contact with the fleeing terrorists at Leho village within Askira Uba LGA and in the encounter that ensued, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and destroyed their combat equipment.

The military said they have destroyed equipment belonging to ISWAP. They include MRAP vehicle and 11 gun trucks.

A large cache of arms and ammunition were also recovered.