Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully repelled an ambush on the convoy of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State.

The attempted attack was allegedly carried out by suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group as the senior military officer was on his way to visit frontline troops deployed across parts of the state.

A statemeent from the Division’s spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba said the convoy was navigating a forested and high-risk corridor when armed assailants opened heavy fire in what appeared to be a premeditated ambush.

Troops attached to the convoy immediately returned fire, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun battle. Five terrorists were neutralised during the exchange, while others retreated into the surrounding terrain under sustained military pressure.

The swift response ensured the safety of the GOC and other personnel, while also thwarting what security officials described as an attempt to undermine ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North West.

Following the engagement, troops carried out a detailed exploitation of the scene, leading to the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other materials believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

Recovered items included one OJC gun, one PKT machine gun, two AK-47 rifles and four AK-47 magazines. Soldiers also recovered a bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones and five motorcycles suspected to have been used for mobility during the attack.

Military sources said the recovered phones and cash could provide valuable intelligence on the group’s operational network and financing structure.

Troops have since intensified patrols around Mayama Hill and adjoining communities to forestall further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA is part of ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks operating across the North West region. The latest development underscores what military authorities describe as the high level of vigilance and combat readiness among troops in the theatre.

Officials reaffirmed the commitment of 8 Division to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and protecting civilians from insurgent threats in Kebbi and neighbouring states.