The General Officer Commanding, GOC 8 Division, and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, has foiled a deadly ambush staged by suspected Lakurawa terrorists members near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.
Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, disclosed that the attack occurred as the GOC’s convoy moved through the volatile forested terrain en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state. The convoy came under sudden and heavy gunfire from armed terrorists attempting to strike from concealed positions.
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In a swift counter-offensive, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, neutralising five terrorists and repelling the ambush. The successful defence not only secures the convoy but also disrupts the attackers’ plan, sending a strong warning to insurgent groups operating in the area.
Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the surrounding forest and recovered a cache of weapons and other items. Recovered exhibits include one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, one bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones, and five motorcycles.
Military authorities state that troops remain deployed in the general area, maintaining heightened vigilance to forestall further attacks and sustain operational dominance.
The operation underscores the commitment of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, to safeguarding lives and property, while intensifying efforts to dismantle terrorist networks across the Northwest region.
Security sources indicate that the attempted ambush reflects the desperation of armed groups facing sustained military pressure across forest corridors linking border communities. They note that the swift response prevents potential casualties among troops and disrupts the mobility of the attackers.
The Nigerian Army reiterates its resolve to sustain aggressive clearance operations, intelligence-driven patrols and coordinated joint task force engagements aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within the theatre of operations.
Residents in surrounding communities are urged to continue providing credible information to security agencies, as authorities emphasise that civil-military cooperation remains critical to consolidating recent operational gains and restoring lasting peace in the region.
The Cable
