The convoy of Major General Bemgha Koughna, General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has successfully repelled a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorists near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.
The attack occurred as the GOC’s convoy was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state. According to a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, the GOC’s convoy, moving through the volatile forested terrain, came under sudden and heavy fire from armed terrorists.
Demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical prowess, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralising five terrorists and repelling the ambush.
Following the successful counter-ambush, troops conducted a meticulous sweep of the area, recovering a significant cache of weapons and intelligence materials. The recovered items included one OJC Gun, one PKT Gun, two AK-47 Rifles and four AK-47 Magazines.
Others are One Bandolier of PKT Ammunition, Several rounds of 12.7mm Ammunition, A camel bag containing ₦840,000, two Mobile Phones and Five Motorcycles.
“This operation not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the terrorists’ plans, delivering a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups that have been terrorising local communities in the general area,” the statement said.
Currently, troops remain deployed and vigilant in the general area, maintaining dominance to prevent further attacks. The operation underscores the unwavering commitment of the 8 Division Nigerian Army to protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats in the North West region.
The Lakurawa terrorist group has been blamed for numerous attacks on communities in the northern parts of Kebbi and neighbouring Sokoto State, staging raids from forest bases, rustling livestock, and imposing illegal taxes on local populations.
The successful repulsion of the ambush comes days after the same terrorist group killed over 30 people in coordinated attacks on seven villages in the Bui District of Arewa Local Government Area in Kebbi State.
Military authorities believe the seizure of arms and cash will further weaken the operational capacity of the Lakurawa terrorist group within Kebbi State and its environs.