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Army commander visits Sokoto community, pledges troops’ readiness to tackle terrorists

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Nigerian Army's 8th Division commander visited Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State to assess security amid threats from the Lakurawa terrorist group.
  • Major General Bemgba Koughna pledged troops' readiness to protect lives and property, assuring residents that the army has adjusted its security measures to prevent terrorist infiltration.
  • He urged community leaders and residents to provide credible intelligence to help detect and dismantle terrorist networks, emphasizing collaboration for security.

Nigerian Army Major General Bemgba Koughna visited Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State to assess the security situation and reassure residents following renewed threats from the Lakurawa terrorist group. The visit aimed to evaluate the operational readiness of troops and address concerns heightened by recent attacks and livestock rustling along the Sokoto-Kebbi border, which have reportedly caused some residents to flee.

Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property.

— Major General Bemgba KoughnaThe General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, assured residents of the army's commitment to security.

During his assessment, Koughna visited the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe and surrounding communities. He met with local leaders and residents, listening to their concerns and reviewing the security landscape. The General assured the community that the Nigerian Army had enhanced its security architecture to thwart further terrorist incursions and safeguard vulnerable populations. "Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property," he stated, adding that measures are in place to swiftly contain emerging threats.

The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats.

— Major General Bemgba KoughnaThe GOC emphasized the army's readiness to counter security threats in the region.

Koughna emphasized the army's unwavering commitment to responding decisively to any security challenges. He vowed that terrorist elements would not be allowed to establish strongholds in Kebbe and its environs. "We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people," he pledged. He encouraged residents to remain calm and continue their daily activities, assuring them that security forces are actively working to restore confidence.

We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people.

— Major General Bemgba KoughnaKoughna reassured residents about the military's ongoing commitment to their safety.

Highlighting the importance of community involvement, Koughna called for stronger collaboration between the military and the populace, particularly through the timely sharing of credible intelligence. "Community support remains a critical component in detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks," he noted. He urged community leaders and residents to report any suspicious movements or activities that could pose a security risk, reinforcing that collective effort is vital for maintaining peace and security in the region.

I urge you to remain calm and continue with your lawful activities. Your security remains our priority, and we will continue to do everything within our mandate to protect you.

— Major General Bemgba KoughnaThe GOC advised residents not to panic and reiterated the army's dedication to their protection.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.