Troops foil ambush on GOC in Kebbi, neutralise five terrorists

2026-02-23 - 16:58

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto SOKOTO — Troops of the Nigerian Army under the 8 Division have foiled a deadly ambush targeting the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Bemgha Koughna, in Kebbi State, in what authorities described as a major counter-offensive against terrorist elements in the North-West. The attempted attack occurred near Mayama Hill as the GOC, who also serves as Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state. Military sources said the convoy came under sudden and heavy gunfire from suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group operating within the volatile forest corridor. Despite the surprise assault, troops accompanying the senior commander responded with precision and overwhelming firepower, swiftly repelling the attackers. In the ensuing firefight, five terrorists were neutralised, while others fled into surrounding forests with suspected gunshot wounds. The Army said the decisive response secured the convoy and disrupted what appeared to be a coordinated attempt to target military leadership in the region. Security analysts noted that the brazen ambush reflects mounting pressure on armed groups amid sustained military operations across parts of the North-West. Following the counter-ambush, troops conducted an extensive sweep of the area, recovering weapons and other items believed to belong to the fleeing insurgents. Recovered items include one OJC gun, one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, and several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition. Troops also seized a camel bag containing ₦840,000 in cash, two mobile phones suspected to hold intelligence value, and five motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers for mobility. Military authorities said the recovered weapons and communication devices would aid ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating across Kebbi and neighbouring states. Troops remain deployed in the area with heightened vigilance to forestall further attacks and consolidate territorial gains. The development underscores the Nigerian Army’s renewed resolve to degrade insurgent capabilities and restore lasting peace to vulnerable communities across the North-West.