Manny Ita –
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Koughna, narrowly escaped an ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorists on Sunday near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State, military authorities have said.
In a statement issued by the division’s acting spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, the attack occurred while the senior officer’s convoy was travelling to visit frontline troops deployed in the state. Major General Koughna also serves as commander of Sector 2 of Operation Fansan Yamma, a joint security task force operating in the North-west.
According to the army, the convoy came under intense gunfire while moving through a forested and volatile area. Troops escorting the commander immediately returned fire, engaging the attackers in what was described as a fierce exchange.
“Demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical prowess, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralising five terrorists and thwarting the ambush,” the statement said.
The military reported that five suspected terrorists were killed during the encounter, while the convoy successfully repelled the attack without reported casualties among the troops.
Following the clash, soldiers conducted a sweep of the area and recovered a cache of weapons 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 said troops have maintained a strong presence in the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
The ambush is the latest in a series of attacks targeting senior military officers in conflict-prone regions. In November last year, suspected fighters from Boko Haram carried out a similar attack in Borno State, killing Brigadier General Musa Uba and at least four members of his entourage.
