By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Koughna, on Sunday survived an ambush by suspected members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) in Kebbi State, as troops killed five of the assailants during a gun duel.
The attack occurred near Mayama Hill while the GOC, who also serves as Commander Sector 2 of Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was travelling to assess frontline formations in the state.
According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the convoy was moving through a forested and volatile corridor when it came under sudden and heavy gunfire from armed elements.
Troops immediately responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, engaging the attackers in a counter-ambush operation that led to the neutralisation of five terrorists. The convoy was secured, and no casualties were reported among the soldiers.
A follow-up clearance operation in the area resulted in the recovery of several weapons and items believed to belong to the fleeing insurgents. Recovered exhibits include one OJC gun, one PKT machine 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.
Military sources confirmed that troops remain on heightened alert in the area, maintaining patrols and operational dominance to forestall further attacks.
The incident underscores ongoing efforts by 8 Division under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle terrorist networks and stabilise communities across Kebbi State and the wider North West region.
