The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Koughna, has escaped a deadly ambush by suspected terrorists in Kebbi State.
The attack took place near Mayama Hill as the senior military officer’s convoy was travelling through the area. Major General Koughna also serves as Commander of Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
According to a statement shared on Monday via the official X handle of the Nigerian Army, the convoy came under heavy gunfire from suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The statement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
He said the attack happened while the GOC was on his way to visit frontline troops deployed in the area.
According to the Army, armed attackers opened fire on the convoy as it moved through a forested part of the route near Mayama Hill.
Despite the sudden attack, the troops reportedly responded quickly. The statement said Major General Koughna showed “decisive leadership and tactical coordination” as soldiers returned fire.
During the exchange, five of the suspected terrorists were killed. The Army said the troops were able to repel the attack and secure the convoy, preventing what could have been a major loss.
The statement described the operation as a strong warning to armed groups operating in the North West region.
Following the clash, soldiers carried out a search of the surrounding area. During the sweep, they recovered several weapons and other items believed to belong to the attackers.
Items recovered included one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, and four AK-47 magazines. Troops also seized a bandolier of PKT ammunition and several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition.
Other items found at the scene included a camel bag containing ₦840,000 in cash, two mobile phones, and five motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers.
The Army said troops remain in the area to prevent further attacks and to track down other members of the group.
The ambush highlights the ongoing security challenges in parts of the North West, including Kebbi State. In recent years, the region has faced attacks from armed groups involved in banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Kebbi, which shares borders with Niger Republic and other Nigerian states, has seen increased military operations aimed at stopping cross-border crime and armed activities in forest areas.
Operation FANSAN YAMMA was launched as part of efforts to tackle insecurity in the North West. The operation involves joint efforts by the military and other security agencies to clear terrorist camps and restore peace to affected communities.
Security experts say attacks on military convoys are often aimed at weakening troop morale and disrupting operations. However, they note that strong resistance from security forces can reduce the ability of armed groups to operate freely.
The Lakurawa group mentioned in the statement is believed to be one of several armed groups active in parts of the region. Authorities have continued to intensify operations to dismantle such networks.
The Nigerian Army has repeatedly stated its commitment to protecting civilians and defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The 8 Division, which covers parts of the North West, plays a key role in these efforts.
Residents in affected communities have often called for sustained military presence to prevent attacks on villages and highways. Many communities depend on farming and trading, but insecurity has disrupted daily life and economic activities.
Lieutenant Colonel Osoba said troops remain alert and deployed around the area of the ambush. He added that the operation shows the determination of the 8 Division to eliminate terrorist threats.
Military sources say regular visits by senior officers to frontline troops are important for boosting morale and assessing operational challenges. Such visits also allow commanders to interact directly with soldiers and understand conditions on the ground.
The successful defence of the convoy is likely to be seen as a morale booster for troops operating in difficult terrain. Forested areas in the North West often provide cover for armed groups, making surveillance and tracking more challenging.
