Army confirms GOC 8 Division came under fire from Lakurawa terrorists in Kebbi

The Nigerian Army in a statement on Monday 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 the statement, the army said 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 signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/ Sector 2 Operation HADARIN DAJI, the attackers had lain in wait 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. Five of the suspected terrorists were neutralised, while others fled the scene.

Military authorities described the encounter as a decisive response that not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the attackers’ plans. They said the operation sends a strong warning to armed groups operating in the North-West.

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 N840,000, 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