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

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna. Photo: Nigerian Army

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 following renewed threats allegedly posed by the Lakurawa terrorist group.

The visit was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba.

Koughna conducted an operational assessment of the Forward Operating Base, Kebbe, and surrounding communities on Sunday, following reports of a renewed attack on Ungushi community in the area.

The visit came amid heightened security concerns along the Sokoto-Kebbi border, with residents reportedly fleeing some affected communities following attacks and livestock rustling.

During the visit, the GOC met with community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns and reviewed the security situation in the area.

Koughna assured the residents that the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorists and protect vulnerable communities.

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

He added that the Army had taken measures to ensure that emerging threats were quickly identified and contained before they could escalate.

“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats”, he continued.

The GOC further assured the residents that terrorist elements would not be allowed to establish safe havens in Kebbe and its surrounding communities.

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He said, “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.”

Koughna urged residents not to panic, assuring them that security forces were firmly on the ground and working to restore confidence in affected communities.

He said, “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”, he added.

The GOC, however, called for stronger collaboration between the military and communities, particularly through the timely provision of credible intelligence.

He said, “Community support remains a critical component in detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks.”

Koughna urged community leaders and residents to promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could pose a security threat.

He stressed that effective intelligence-sharing between residents and security agencies remained essential to preventing attacks and denying criminal and terrorist groups freedom of movement.

The Army chief also reiterated the commitment of troops to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities within the operational area.

He said, “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.