The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 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 linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The visit, according to a statement issued on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, followed reports of a renewed attack on Ungushi community in the area.
Koughna conducted an operational assessment of the Forward Operating Base, Kebbe, and surrounding communities amid growing security concerns along the Sokoto Kebbi border.
The situation has reportedly heightened fears among residents, with some communities said to have experienced displacement following attacks and incidents of livestock rustling.
During the visit, the GOC met with community leaders and residents to hear their concerns and obtain firsthand information on the security situation.
He assured the people that the Nigerian Army had adjusted its security architecture to prevent further infiltration by terrorist elements and protect vulnerable communities across the area.
Koughna said troops remained fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property, adding that measures had been put in place to identify and contain emerging threats before they could escalate.
He stressed that the Army would not allow terrorist elements to establish safe havens in Kebbe and neighbouring communities, assuring residents of a sustained military presence in the area.
The GOC urged residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, assuring them that security forces were firmly on the ground to restore confidence and protect communities.
He also called for stronger cooperation between the military and residents, particularly through the timely provision of credible intelligence.
According to him, community support remains essential to detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks.
Koughna therefore urged community leaders and residents to promptly report suspicious movements, unfamiliar persons and other activities that could threaten the security of their communities.
He noted that effective intelligence sharing between residents and security agencies was critical to preventing attacks and restricting the movement of criminal and terrorist groups.
The Army chief further reiterated the commitment of troops to protecting lives, property and critical infrastructure in Kebbe and other vulnerable communities within the operational area.
He assured residents that the Army would continue to operate with determination and professionalism to prevent criminal elements from intimidating communities or disrupting their livelihoods.
The operational assessment forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to strengthen security around Kebbe and other vulnerable communities following recent security incidents in the area.
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