Troops of the attached to 8 Division have thwarted a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements near Mayama Hill in , killing five attackers and recovering weapons and other items.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, the attack occurred while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, was on his way to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
According to the statement, the GOC’s convoy came under intense gunfire from armed terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa group as it moved through a volatile forest area. Troops reportedly responded swiftly with superior firepower, leading to a fierce exchange.
“In a bold and decisive response, the GOC and his troops overwhelmed the attackers, neutralising five terrorists and successfully repelling the ambush. The swift counter-action not only secured the convoy but also thwarted what authorities described as a calculated attempt to destabilise security operations in the area.
“Following the engagement, troops conducted a thorough sweep of the vicinity and recovered a significant cache of weapons and materials. Items recovered include one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, one bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing ₦840,000, two mobile phones, and five motorcycles,” the statement read.
Military authorities said troops remain stationed in the area, maintaining control and heightened alertness to forestall further attacks.
The operation, they added, underscores the determination of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army to safeguard civilians and combat terrorist threats across the North West region.