Army strengthens security along Sokoto-Kebbi border over Lakurawa threat

The Nigerian Army has strengthened its security operations along the Sokoto-Kebbi border axis following renewed threats linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group.

The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, gave the assurance during an operational assessment visit to Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State to assess the security situation and review the Army’s deployment in the area.

The visit included an inspection of the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe and surrounding communities following reports of a renewed attack on Ungushi community in the local government area.

During the visit, Koughna met with community leaders and residents to obtain firsthand information on the security situation and listen to their concerns.

He assured residents that troops remained deployed in the area and were maintaining a high level of alertness to protect lives and property.

The GOC said the Army was determined to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats and prevent terrorist elements from establishing safe havens in the border communities.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue with their legitimate activities, assuring them that security forces were firmly on the ground.

Koughna also called on community members to strengthen their cooperation with security forces by providing credible and actionable intelligence on suspicious movements and activities within their communities.

According to him, effective collaboration between security forces and local communities is critical to detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they launch attacks.

The operational visit is part of ongoing efforts by the 8 Division to review and strengthen its security architecture in response to emerging threats along the Sokoto-Kebbi border axis.