General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, has stressed that strong collaboration between security agencies and local communities remains essential to dismantling terrorist networks operating in parts of the North-West.
Speaking during an operational assessment visit to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Monday, the GOC urged troops to remain resolute and decisive in tackling the growing threat posed by the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The visit formed part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its security strategy following reports of an attack on Ungushi community in Kebbe LGA. It was also aimed at reviewing security deployments and ensuring that vulnerable border communities within the Division’s area of responsibility remain adequately protected against further infiltration by criminal elements.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army and Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Major General Koughna used the visit to interact directly with community leaders and residents, giving them the opportunity to express their concerns while enabling the Army to assess the security situation firsthand.
Addressing the communities, the GOC reassured residents that troops remain fully deployed and committed to safeguarding lives and property across the area.
He declared that the Army would not relent in its operations against criminal elements, insisting that “terrorist elements will find no safe haven in the region.”
Major General Koughna also described community vigilance as a vital weapon in the fight against terrorism, noting that timely intelligence from residents can help security forces detect, disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks before they launch attacks.
He urged residents to remain calm and continue with their legitimate daily activities without fear, assuring them that security personnel are maintaining a strong presence across the affected communities.
The GOC, further, appealed to members of the public to deepen their cooperation with the military by providing credible and actionable intelligence on suspicious movements and activities.
“Residents should strengthen their cooperation with troops by promptly sharing credible, actionable intelligence regarding any suspicious movements or activities in their areas,” he said.
The Nigerian Army reiterated that sustained collaboration between security forces and host communities remains critical to restoring lasting peace and preventing terrorist groups from establishing operational bases within the region.
