Army adjusts security architecture in Sokoto after Kebbe attack

The Nigerian Army has reinforced its security presence in Sokoto State's Kebbe Local Government Area after a recent attack, citing intelligence that the perpetrators remain nearby. Major General Bemgha Koughna, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division, visited the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe and surrounding communities on Sunday to assess the security situation.

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There was an intelligence report that the terrorists were still close by.

Initially, the army stated the visit was prompted by reports of a "renewed attack" on the Ungushi community. However, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 8 Division, later clarified that the military had received intelligence indicating the terrorists were still in the area. This intelligence led to the readjustment of the security architecture to prevent further infiltration and enhance protection along the Sokoto-Kebbi axis.

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The Army said Mr Koughna subsequently readjusted the security architecture to prevent further terrorist infiltration and strengthen protection around vulnerable communities along the Sokoto-Kebbi axis.

During his visit, the GOC engaged with community leaders and residents to understand their concerns and reassure them of the troops' continued deployment and vigilance. He urged the public to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and actionable information about suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of community intelligence in counter-terrorism efforts.

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He urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities while cooperating with security personnel.

The military's response came after suspected Lakurawa fighters attacked Kebbe town on Friday. While the Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the attack and reported no civilian or police casualties, reports of four soldiers being killed were not confirmed or denied by the army due to security protocols. The army's statement on Sunday also did not disclose any soldier casualties.

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He appealed to residents to promptly provide credible, actionable information about suspicious activity, saying that community intelligence remained important in detecting and disrupting terrorist activities.