In a daring military operation, troops of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, under the command of the Major General Bemgha Koughna, successfully repelled a deadly ambush staged by suspected members of the Lakurawa Terrorist Group near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.
The incident occurred while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA was on an operational visit to troops deployed at the frontlines in the area.
According to military sources, the GOC’s convoy came under sudden and intense gunfire from armed terrorists while navigating the volatile, forested terrain.
In a swift and tactical response, Major General Koughna personally led his men in a counteroffensive, overwhelming the attackers with superior firepower.
During the exchange, five terrorists were neutralized, and the remaining assailants fled in disarray, abandoning their weapons and motorcycles. The troops’ action not only ensured the safety of the convoy but also disrupted the terrorists’ plans and sent a strong message to criminal elements operating within the region.
A follow-up clearance operation in the area led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and other items.
The seized materials 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.
Troops have since maintained a firm presence in the general area to forestall any retaliatory attack and to secure nearby communities.
Speaking on the operation, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, reaffirmed the Army’s determination to rid the North West of terrorists and other criminal groups threatening peace and security.
He noted that the successful counter-ambush reflects the professionalism, courage, and resilience of troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA in safeguarding lives and property across the region.
