GOC’s Convoy Survives Ambush in Kebbi, As 5 Terrorists Are Killed, Arms Recovered

Troops of the Nigerian Army attached to 8 Division have foiled a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorists near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State, killing five of the attackers and recovering a cache of weapons and other items.

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, 'Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, who spoke in a statement said the incident occurred as the General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the Division and Commander Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, was on his way to visit the frontline troops deployed in the state.

Osoba noted that, Koughna's convoy, while navigating the volatile forested terrain, came under sudden and heavy gunfire from armed terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, adding that "troops immediately responded with superior firepower 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.”  

According to the statement, "The swift counter-action not only secured the convoy but also thwarted what authorities described as a calculated attempt to destabilise security operations in the area."

Meanwhile, "Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the vicinity and recovered a significant cache of weapons and materials. 

"Items recovered include 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."