The Nigerian Army on Monday announced that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, “foiled a deadly ambush orchestrated by suspected Lakurawa terrorist Group (LTG) near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.”
In a press release, the army, which described the development as a bold and decisive operation carried out under intense hostile conditions, disclosed that the attack occurred as the GOC’s convoy was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
Signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation HADARIN DAJI, the statement explained that the GOC’s convoy, “moving through the volatile forested terrain, came under sudden and heavy fire from armed terrorists.”
The suspected Lakurawa terrorist group (LTG) had reportedly laid in wait near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State, targeting the convoy as it advanced through the area.
The army stated that Major General Koughna demonstrated exceptional leadership during the encounter.
According to the statement, “Demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical prowess, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralising five terrorists and repelling the ambush”, adding that the swift response not only ensured the safety of the convoy but also dealt a significant blow to the attackers.
Osoba said, “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 North-West region has witnessed persistent security challenges in recent years, with armed groups carrying out attacks on communities, security formations and travellers.
The army noted that the latest encounter underscored its ongoing efforts to contain and dismantle terrorist elements operating within the region.
Following the successful counter-ambush, troops reportedly conducted a thorough sweep of the surrounding area to prevent further threats and gather actionable intelligence. The statement said soldiers recovered a significant cache of weapons and other materials believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.
Items recovered during the operation included “one OJC Gun, one PKT Gun, two AK-47 Rifles and four AK-47 Magazines.” Others, according to the army, were “One Bandolier of PKT Ammunition, Several rounds of 12.7mm Ammunition, A camel bag containing ₦840,000, two Mobile Phones and Five Motorcycles.”
The recovery of the weapons and materials is expected to aid ongoing intelligence and security operations in the area.
Military authorities believe that the seizure of the arms cache would further weaken the operational capacity of the suspected Lakurawa terrorist group within Kebbi State and its environs.
The army also confirmed that troops remained on high alert in the general area to forestall any reprisal attacks or regrouping attempts by the insurgents. “Currently troops remain deployed and vigilant in the general area, maintaining dominance to prevent further attacks,” the statement said.
Military authorities have continued to urge residents to support security agencies with credible information, as operations intensify across flashpoints in the North-West.
