Army Draws Battle Line Against Lakurawa, Vows No ‘Safe Haven’
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Nigerian Army has intensified security operations in Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State following growing concerns over the activities and possible infiltration of communities by the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The move followed reported attacks on Ungushi community, which heightened fears among residents and renewed calls for stronger military presence around Kebbe town and neighbouring communities along the Sokoto-Kebbi border corridor.
As part of efforts to strengthen security in the area, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, on Sunday visited the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kebbe and other affected communities to assess the security situation and evaluate the operational readiness of troops.
During the visit, the GOC met with community leaders and residents, listened to their concerns and gathered first-hand information on developments in the area.
Major General Koughna assured residents that troops remained fully deployed and alert, stressing that the Army would not allow terrorists to establish a foothold or use Kebbe and its surrounding communities as a safe corridor.
He warned that security forces would respond swiftly to emerging threats and prevent terrorist elements from consolidating their presence in the area.
The assessment also led to adjustments in the security architecture around vulnerable communities considered susceptible to terrorist infiltration and attacks.
The GOC urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that security forces were committed to protecting lives, property and livelihoods.
He, however, emphasised that defeating terrorism requires strong cooperation between security agencies and local communities.
Koughna therefore appealed to residents, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to provide timely and credible intelligence on suspicious movements, unfamiliar individuals and activities that could threaten the peace of the communities.
According to him, effective information-sharing would help security agencies detect, disrupt and dismantle terrorist networks before they execute their plans.
The Army’s renewed operational posture comes amid increasing concerns over Lakurawa activities in parts of the North-West, particularly communities situated close to the Sokoto-Kebbi border.
The GOC assured the people of Kebbe that the Nigerian Army would maintain a robust presence in the area and continue to adapt its strategies to emerging security threats.
He called on residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant and united with security agencies, warning terrorists and other criminal elements that Kebbe would not be surrendered to them.
The operational assessment was disclosed in a statement issued on August 16, 2026, by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
