Army Commander Survives Ambush as Troops Eliminate Five Gunmen in Kebbi

Troops of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army have repelled an ambush targeting their top field commander in Kebbi State, killing five suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group during a fierce gun battle near Mayama Hill.

The attack occurred while the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Bemgha Koughna, was travelling to assess troops deployed on frontline operations under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA in the North West.

Military authorities said the convoy was suddenly attacked while passing through a forest corridor known for armed group activities. Soldiers immediately engaged the assailants in a counter-offensive that overpowered the attackers.

In a statement issued in Sokoto by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, the Army confirmed that five gunmen were neutralised during the encounter, while others fled the scene.

The military described the operation as a significant disruption of terrorist activities in the area, noting that the swift response prevented casualties among the troops and secured the GOC’s movement.

After pushing back the attackers, soldiers combed the surrounding area and recovered several weapons and other materials, including:

One OJC gun

One PKT machine gun

Two AK-47 rifles

Four AK-47 magazines

A bandolier of PKT ammunition

Multiple rounds of 12.7mm ammunition

₦840,000 found inside a camel bag

Two mobile phones

Five motorcycles

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing security operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks operating across the North West.