Troops Neutralised Lakurawas’ Ambush On Army GOC
From : Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
Terrorists operating in the Kebbi forest believed to be Lakurawas on Monday evening suffered a heavy casualties when they ambushed the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigeria Army, Sokoto, Major-General Bemgha Koughna at Maiyama forest in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
A statement issued by the Ag. Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said the incident occurred as GOC 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
The statement stated that the GOC’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,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.”the statement stated further that 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.
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.
Military authorities according to the statement said troops remain deployed in the general area, maintaining dominance and heightened vigilance to prevent further attacks, as the operation, underscores the commitment of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army to protect civilians and eliminate terrorist threats across the North West region.
