The convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Koughna, has successfully foiled a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorists near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.

The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the incident occurred while the GOC was on his way to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.

According to the statement, the convoy came under sudden and heavy gunfire as it moved through the volatile forested terrain. However, Major General Koughna and the accompanying troops swiftly responded with superior firepower, neutralising five of the attackers and repelling the ambush.

The Army said the successful counter-ambush not only secured the GOC and his entourage but also disrupted the terrorists’ operational plans, sending a strong warning to criminal elements terrorising communities in the area.

Following the encounter, troops conducted a thorough search of the area and recovered a cache of weapons and other items. These included one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition and several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition.

Other items recovered were a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.

The statement added that troops have remained deployed in the general area, maintaining dominance and vigilance to prevent further attacks.

The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, as well as sustaining ongoing operations to eliminate terrorist threats in the North West region.