Army Commander Visits Kebbe Over Renewed Lakurawa Attacks, Rallies Border Communities

Amid heightened security concerns, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, the General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army's 8 Division, visited Kebbe in Sokoto State. The visit followed recent attacks by the Lakurawa terrorist group on Ungushi community, sparking fears of infiltration along the Sokoto-Kebbi border.

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The Army said the GOC’s tour was part of a decisive move to recalibrate the security architecture in the area and forestall further terrorist activity.

During his operational assessment tour, Major General Koughna met with traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents. He listened to their grievances and gathered first-hand information on the local security situation. The GOC reassured the communities that troops are fully deployed in vulnerable areas and remain on high alert to counter any threats, stressing the Army's focus on protecting lives and property.

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The Nigerian Army’s unwavering determination to confront emerging threats head-on and ensure that terrorist elements find no safe haven within Sokoto, Kebbi and adjoining states.

Major General Koughna declared the Nigerian Army's firm resolve to confront emerging threats and prevent terrorist elements from establishing safe havens in Sokoto, Kebbi, and surrounding states. He highlighted that the Lakurawa group's resurgence underscores the need for constant vigilance, rapid response, and enhanced synergy between the military and local communities to weaken the terrorists.

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The renewed activities of the Lakurawa group in Kebbe underscored the need for continuous vigilance, rapid response and stronger synergy between the military and host communities to degrade the terrorists’ capacity.

The GOC urged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities, assuring them of security forces' presence. He also appealed for strengthened cooperation, requesting timely and credible intelligence on suspicious movements and individuals. Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba stated that the visit reinforced the 8 Division's commitment under Operation FANSAN YAMMA to secure border communities and deny criminals freedom of action in the North-West.

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Community support remains a critical component in the fight against terrorism, noting that timely information from residents would help troops to detect, disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks before they could launch attacks.