The Nigerian Army has confirmed that the General Officer Commanding GOC 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, survived an ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorists near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, of the 8 Division in Sokoto, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba says the attack occurred while the GOC’s convoy was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
The convoy reportedly came under heavy gunfire as it moved through a forested stretch of the volatile area.
According to the statement , the attackers had lain in ambush near Mayama Hill before launching the assault.
The Army said Major General Koughna led a swift counter-offensive under intense hostile conditions, with troops responding with superior firepower.
The statement further explained that Five of the suspected terrorists were neutralised, while others fled .
Following the clash, troops conducted a clearance operation in the surrounding area, recovering several weapons and items believed to belong to the fleeing insurgents.
Items recovered include one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.
The Army noted that the seizure of the arms and logistics would aid ongoing intelligence efforts and weaken the operational capacity of the suspected Lakurawa group in Kebbi and adjoining areas.
Troops have since remained on high alert to prevent possible reprisals or regrouping attempts.
The Army also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information as operations intensify across flashpoints in the North-West region.
NASIR MALALI
