The General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Bemgha Koughna, has survived an ambush by suspected members of the Lakurawa Terrorists Group near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.

The incident occurred while the GOC’s convoy was on its way to visit frontline troops deployed in the state. According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, the convoy came under heavy fire while moving through a forested and volatile area.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi said, “Demonstrating exceptional leadership and tactical prowess, Major General Koughna and his troops responded with overwhelming firepower, neutralizing five terrorists and repelling the ambush.”

He added that the swift response not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the attackers’ plans and sent a strong warning to insurgent groups operating in the region.

“Following the successful counter-ambush, troops conducted a meticulous sweep of the area, recovering a significant cache of weapons and intelligence materials,” the statement said.

Items recovered during the operation included one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, one bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi stated that troops would maintain heightened vigilance 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,” he added.