Nigerian Army Vows No Safe Haven For Lakurawa Militants

The Nigerian Army has intensified 8 Division Lakurawa Sokoto Kebbi operations following a wave of renewed attacks linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group, with the General Officer Commanding personally visiting affected communities to reassure residents and review troop deployment.

Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, GOC of the Army's 8 Division, toured Kebbe Local Government Area in Sokoto State, inspecting the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe and surrounding communities after reports of a renewed attack on Ungushi community.

This was not a routine check-in. Just days before the visit, more than 300 suspected Lakurawa militants on motorcycles reportedly stormed Kebbe town itself, engaging troops in a gun battle and attacking shops, a hospital, and vehicles. A Sokoto-based security analyst said four soldiers were feared killed in the exchange, though the figure could not be independently confirmed at the time. Separately, a bandit attack elsewhere in Sokoto State left 32 people dead in the same week, and residents in some communities have reportedly been fleeing due to repeated attacks and livestock rustling.

During his tour, Koughna met directly with community leaders and residents to hear their concerns and get a firsthand account of the security situation on the ground.

He reassured residents that troops remain deployed and on high alert.

"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," Koughna said.

The Army said Koughna has also readjusted the 8 Division's security architecture in the area specifically to prevent further terrorist infiltration and protect vulnerable border communities.

Koughna was direct about the Army's intent to deny militants any foothold in the region, describing the area as one the military would not surrender.

The GOC also stressed that stronger cooperation between the military and local communities remains essential to getting ahead of future attacks.

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

He urged residents to share credible and timely information about suspicious movements in their areas, calling it central to disrupting attacks before they happen.