🇳🇬 8 Division Repels Ambush on GOC Convoy in Kebbi, Neutralises Five Terrorists Amid Ongoing North West Operations

Troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army repelled an ambush targeting the convoy of the General Officer Commanding in Kebbi State, neutralising five suspected Lakurawa terrorists and recovering weapons during a counter-engagement near Mayama Hill, in what signals sustained operational pressure under Operation FANSAN YAMMA across the North West theatre.

Desk: Defence & Security
Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
Time: 17:30 WAT
Location: Kebbi State, Nigeria

Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division / Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, stated that the incident occurred as General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force North West Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, was en route to visit frontline troops. According to the statement, the convoy came under sudden and heavy fire while transiting forested terrain in the area.

Troops responded with coordinated firepower, neutralising five of the attackers and forcing others to withdraw. The counter-action secured the convoy, prevented casualties and disrupted the attempted assault.

A subsequent sweep led to the recovery of 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.

Mayama Hill and adjoining forest corridors form part of wider movement routes historically exploited by armed groups operating across sections of Kebbi and neighbouring states. Security operations in the North West have increasingly focused on mobility denial, forest clearance and disruption of logistics chains used by violent groups for raids, ambushes and cross-border movement.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA, under the broader Joint Task Force North West framework, coordinates multi-sector operations aimed at degrading armed networks, restoring freedom of movement and stabilising affected communities. Protection of command mobility and sustained troop presence remain central to maintaining operational momentum across dispersed and forested terrain.

Troops remain deployed in the general area to consolidate gains and prevent further hostile activity, as 8 Division continues clearance and stabilisation efforts in line with ongoing counter-terror and counter-banditry operations across the region.

🏷️Tags: 8 Division Nigerian Army, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Kebbi State, Joint Task Force North West, Lakurawa Group, North West Security Operations, Counter Terrorism

#Nigeria #KebbiState #NigerianArmy #OperationFANSANYAMMA #NorthWestSecurity #CounterTerroris