Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have successfully repelled a deadly ambush orchestrated by the suspected Lakurawa Terrorist Group (LTG) near Mayama Hill.
The encounter, Securitynewsalert.com learned, which took place on February 23, 2026, occurred while the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Sector 2, Major General Bemgha Koughna, was en route to visit frontline troops deployed in Kebbi State.
The GOC’s convoy was navigating the volatile forested terrain when it came under sudden and heavy fire from armed insurgents. According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the military personnel responded with “overwhelming firepower.”
Major General Koughna personally led the counter-offensive, resulting in the neutralisation of five terrorists. The decisive response forced the remaining insurgents to flee, effectively disrupting their plans to destabilise the region and providing a secure passage for the convoy.
Following the skirmish, troops conducted a meticulous sweep of the surrounding area to clear out remaining threats. This search yielded a significant cache of weaponry, including one OJC Gun, one PKT Machine Gun, two AK-47 Rifles, and four AK-47 magazines.
In addition to the firearms, the military recovered a bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, and five motorcycles used by the insurgents. Troops also seized a camel bag containing ₦840,000 in cash and two mobile phones, which are expected to provide valuable intelligence for ongoing operations.
“This operation not only secured the convoy but also delivered a strong deterrent message to insurgent groups terrorising local communities,” stated Lt. Col. Osoba.
The Nigerian Army remains on high alert with troops currently maintaining a strong presence in the Mayama Hill general area to dominate the terrain and preempt any retaliatory strikes.
This successful defence underscores the unwavering commitment of the 8 Division to eliminate terrorist threats and ensure the safety of civilians across the North West region.
