Soldiers repel deadly attack as GOC escapes ambush attempt
Soldiers repel deadly attack as GOC escapes ambush attempt
Troops of the Nigerian Army have repelled a deadly ambush on the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Bemgha Koughna, during an operational movement in Kebbi State, killing five suspected terrorists and recovering weapons and cash.
Major General Koughna, who also serves as Commander, Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma under the Joint Task Force North West, was reportedly travelling to visit frontline troops when his convoy came under attack near Mayama Hill.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division and Sector 2, the convoy was navigating a volatile forested corridor when suspected members of the Lakurawa Terrorists Group (LTG) opened heavy fire.
“Demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical prowess, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralizing five terrorists and repelling the ambush,” Lt. Col. Olaniyi said.
Following the firefight, troops carried out a sweep of the surrounding area, leading to the recovery of weapons and other materials believed to belong to the attackers.
“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, 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,” the statement read.
Military sources indicated that the operation disrupted what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to target senior command leadership and destabilise ongoing security operations in the North West.
Lt. Col. Olaniyi said troops have since intensified patrols in the area to prevent further attacks and sustain operational dominance.
“The operation underscores the unwavering commitment of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, to protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats in the North West region,” the statement said.
