GOC’s Convoy Foils Ambush in Kebbi, Five Terrorists Killed, Arms Recovered

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander, Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, has successfully foiled a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorist group near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.

According to a press release issued on February 23, 2026, and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, the attack occurred as the GOC’s convoy was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.

The statement said the convoy, while moving through a volatile forested terrain, came under sudden and heavy gunfire from armed terrorists. Troops accompanying the GOC responded swiftly with what was described as overwhelming firepower, neutralising five of the attackers and repelling the ambush.

The Army noted that the successful counter-ambush not only secured the convoy but also disrupted the terrorists’ operational plans, sending a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups operating in the area and threatening local communities.

Following the encounter, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the scene and recovered a cache of weapons and other items. The recovered exhibits include one OJC gun, one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles and four AK-47 magazines. Others are one bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles.

The statement added that troops remain deployed in the general area, maintaining vigilance and operational dominance to forestall further attacks.

The operation, the Army said, underscores the commitment of the 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats across the North West region.