By Gabriel Ameh
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 8 Division have foiled an ambush on the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Bemgha Koughna, killing five suspected terrorists during a gun battle in Kebbi State.
Major General Koughna, who also serves as Commander, Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was reportedly on his way to visit frontline troops when the convoy came under attack near Mayama Hill.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, the incident occurred while the convoy was navigating a forested and volatile stretch of terrain. Suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group allegedly launched a surprise assault, opening heavy fire on the advancing troops.
The Army said personnel responded immediately with coordinated and superior firepower, neutralising five of the attackers and successfully repelling the ambush. The swift counter-offensive secured the GOC’s convoy and disrupted the attackers’ operations in the area.
Following the exchange, troops conducted a clearance operation and recovered a cache of arms and other items, including one OJC gun, one PKT machine 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.
The Army confirmed that troops remain deployed in the area to maintain pressure on suspected criminal elements and prevent further attacks.
Military authorities said the operation reflects the 8 Division’s ongoing efforts to safeguard communities and dismantle terrorist networks operating across the North West region.
