Commander of 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok, Kennedy Zirkushu, has been killed in an ambush by Boko Haram terrorists in Askira Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Nigerian military said the incident occurred on Saturday afternoon after Mr Zirkushu led a reinforcement team to repel an attack on Askira town.

According to military sources, the terrorists stormed the town on motorcycles around 8:35 a.m. and looted valuables.

They broke into two groups, one of which attacked Askira town in Borno State, as the other overwhelmed troops. Three other soldiers were also killed in the process.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Onyema Nwachukwu also confirmed the incident in a statement.

“A gallant senior officer Brigadier General Dzarma Zirkusu and three 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.

Mr Nwachukwu said that troops of Joint Task Force, North East Operation HADIN KAI neutralised the terrorists.

“In the fierce encounter which is still raging as at the time of filing this report, troops supported by the Air Component of OPHK have destroyed five A-Jet, two A-29, two Dragon combat vehicles and nine Gun Trucks,” he added.

Mr Zirkushu was killed a day after the military confirmed killing many Boko Haram commanders as part of the decade-long counter-insurgency operation.