‘Nigeria has lost brave soldiers’, Buhari mourns troops killed by ISWAP

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the deaths of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and other soldiers in an ambush by fighters of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The President, in a statement posted on his Facebook page Saturday, said the deceased paid the supreme sacrifice in a very rare display of gallantry as they tried to help their compatriots in the war against terrorists.

The statement reads:

I am extremely saddened to hear of the demise of Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice, in a very rare display of gallantry, as they tried to help their compatriots in the war against terrorists.

Nigeria has lost brave soldiers. I salute their  courage. May their souls Rest In Peace. General Zirkusu leaves us sad and devastated. The soldier in him will remain immortal.

I have asked the Chief of Army Staff to accept my heartfelt condolences and that of the nation, and to convey same to the members of the families of those martyred. 

I pray to the Almighty to give the Armed Forces and the bereaved families the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.