Army chief escapes Kebbi ambush as troops kill five Lakurawa fighters

The convoy of Bemgha Koughna, Major-General and the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army was said to have come under heavy attack on Sunday near Mayama Hill in Kebbi State, but troops repelled the ambush, killing five suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.

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The senior military officer was travelling to inspect frontline soldiers under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA when gunmen opened fire from concealed positions in a forested stretch of the volatile corridor.

Military sources said the attackers appeared to have targeted the convoy in a pre-planned operation aimed at inflicting high-profile casualties. However, the troops quickly formed defensive positions and returned fire, overpowering the assailants after a fierce gun battle that echoed across the surrounding hills.

Five of the suspected terrorists were killed in the gun exchange, while others fled into the forest. Security officials noted that the GOC coordinated the counter-offensive that forced the attackers to abandon weapons, cash and mobility assets believed to be part of their assault plan.

A sweep of the area led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and logistics, including a PKT machine gun, an OJC gun, two AK-47 rifles with magazines, ammunition, two mobile phones and ₦840,000 concealed in a bag.
Troops also seized five motorcycles suspected to have been positioned for a quick escape after the attack.

Intelligence teams are analysing the recovered items to track the network behind the ambush and prevent further strikes.

Following the encounter, additional forces were deployed to secure the area and deny the fighters the opportunity to regroup.

Military authorities said the failed ambush underscores the growing risks faced by armed groups operating in the North-West as troops intensify offensive operations and leadership visits move closer to active combat zones.

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For communities around Mayama Hill that have experienced repeated attacks, the foiled operation is being seen as a morale booster and a sign of sustained military pressure on insurgent hideouts.