Sani Dutsinma
Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to the 8 Division have foiled an ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State, killing five attackers and recovering weapons, cash, and other operational items.
The incident occurred as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, was on his way to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division, the GOC’s convoy came under sudden and intense gunfire while moving through a volatile forested area believed to be a terrorist stronghold.
Osoba said the troops responded swiftly and decisively with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange.
“In a bold and decisive response, the GOC and his troops overwhelmed the attackers, neutralising five terrorists and successfully repelling the ambush,” the statement said.
He added that the swift counter-offensive not only secured the convoy but also foiled what authorities described as a calculated attempt to undermine ongoing military operations in the area.
Following the encounter, troops conducted a comprehensive sweep of the vicinity and recovered a cache of weapons and materials, including one OJC gun, one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, and several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition.
Other recovered items included a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones, and five motorcycles believed to have been used by the attackers.
Military authorities said troops remain deployed in the general area, maintaining operational dominance and heightened vigilance to prevent further terrorist activities.
The Army noted that the successful operation hifhlights the commitment of the 8 Division to safeguarding civilians and dismantling terrorist networks across Nigeria’s North-West region.