By Harriet Tornguvan
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a deadly ambush on the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Bemgha Koughna, killing five suspected terrorists and recovering a cache of weapons in Kebbi State.
The incident occurred near Mayama Hill while the GOC, who also serves as Commander, Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was travelling to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the convoy reportedly came under sudden heavy gunfire from suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group as it moved through a volatile forest corridor.
According to the statement, the troops responded swiftly with superior firepower under the leadership of Major General Koughna, successfully repelling the ambush and neutralising five of the attackers.
The Army said the prompt counter-attack not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the terrorists’ operational plans, sending a strong warning to armed groups accused of terrorising communities across parts of the North-West.
Following the encounter, soldiers conducted a thorough sweep of the area and recovered several weapons and other items believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists. Items recovered include one OJC gun, one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, and several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition.
Troops also recovered a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles suspected to have been used by the assailants during the attempted attack.
Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert in the general area to prevent further attacks and sustain operational dominance.
The Army reaffirmed that the operation reflects the commitment of 8 Division to safeguarding civilians and dismantling terrorist networks operating across the North-West.
