The single sharpest fact is that the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Koughna, has visited Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State to assess the security situation.

And this assessment comes following renewed threats allegedly posed by the Lakurawa terrorist group. The group has been terrorizing communities in the area, forcing residents to flee their homes.

So, the visit comes at a critical time when the security situation in the area has become increasingly fragile. According to reports, residents have been fleeing some affected communities following attacks and livestock rustling.

The General Officer Commanding met with community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns, and reviewed the security situation in the area. He assured the residents that the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorists and protect vulnerable communities.

Yet, he warned that the Army would not allow criminal elements to intimidate the people or disrupt their livelihoods. The GOC further assured the residents that terrorist elements would not be allowed to establish safe havens in Kebbe and its surrounding communities.

During the visit, Koughna also urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, assuring them that security forces were firmly on the ground working to restore confidence in affected communities. He called for stronger collaboration between the military and communities, particularly through the timely provision of credible intelligence.

The GOC stressed that effective intelligence-sharing between residents and security agencies remained essential to preventing attacks and denying criminal and terrorist groups freedom of movement. Koughna urged community leaders and residents to promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons, and other activities that could pose a security threat.

Major General Bemgba Koughna is the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army. He has been in this position since January 2024, after replacing Major General Umar Mohammed. The 8 Division, Nigerian Army, is one of the country's most prominent units, tasked with maintaining peace and security in the northwest region.

This visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent security incidents in the area. The Nigerian Army has been facing numerous challenges in tackling terrorism, and this visit demonstrates the Army's commitment to protecting citizens.

So, the Army has been working to enhance its capabilities to tackle terrorism in the northwest region. The visit has also sparked calls for stronger collaboration between the military and local communities to tackle the rising tide of terrorism in the region.

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

The General Officer Commanding has vowed to protect the people, saying: “We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods. Our troops are prepared and will continue to operate with determination and professionalism.”

The operational assessment formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent security incidents in the area. The Army has been working to enhance its capabilities to tackle terrorism, and this visit demonstrates its commitment to protecting citizens.

Key Facts:

  • Major General Bemgba Koughna visited Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State to assess the security situation.
  • The visit comes following renewed threats allegedly posed by the Lakurawa terrorist group.
  • The GOC met with community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns, and reviewed the security situation in the area.
  • He assured the residents that the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorists and protect vulnerable communities.
  • Koughna vowed to protect the people, saying: “We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods. Our troops are prepared and will continue to operate with determination and professionalism.”

This visit has come at a critical time, and the Nigerian Army must be vigilant and proactive in tackling terrorism in the northwest region. The visit has also sparked calls for stronger collaboration between the military and local communities to tackle the rising tide of terrorism in the region.