The Nigerian Army has strengthened its security operations around Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State following a recent attack by suspected Lakurawa terrorists and intelligence indicating that the attackers may still be operating near the area.
The decision followed an assessment visit on Sunday by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General Bemgha Koughna, to the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe and nearby communities.
The Army initially said the visit was prompted by reports of another attack on Ungushi community. However, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division and Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, later clarified that the military had received intelligence suggesting that the terrorists involved in the earlier attack were still in the vicinity.
According to the Army spokesman, there was no confirmation of a separate attack on Ungushi.
Army Adjusts Security Architecture
Following the intelligence assessment, Major General Koughna ordered adjustments to the existing security arrangements around Kebbe.
The changes are intended to prevent further infiltration by armed groups and improve protection for communities considered vulnerable along the Sokoto-Kebbi axis.
During his visit, the GOC met with community leaders and residents to assess the security situation and listen to concerns about the activities of armed groups in the area.
He assured residents that troops remained deployed and were maintaining a high level of alertness to protect lives and property.
Koughna also encouraged residents to remain calm, continue their legitimate activities and cooperate with security agencies.
He particularly appealed for residents to provide security forces with credible and timely information about suspicious movements, stressing that local intelligence is important in preventing terrorist attacks.
Security Response Follows Kebbe Attack
The latest military measures followed Friday’s attack on Kebbe town by suspected members of the Lakurawa armed group.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the incident and said additional personnel had been deployed to reinforce security in the area.
There have been conflicting reports concerning casualties from the confrontation. Some reports claimed that soldiers were killed during the attack, but the Army has not publicly confirmed those reports.
The military has also not disclosed whether any soldiers were killed or injured during the incident.
Terrorists Reportedly Still Nearby
The Army’s increased security presence around Ungushi followed reports that the attackers moved towards communities west of Kebbe after the assault.
Security analyst Bashar Altine had earlier claimed that suspected members of the group were sighted around Ungushi after leaving Kebbe, although their movements could not initially be independently verified.
The subsequent intelligence received by the Army indicated that the terrorists could still be operating close to the area.
As a result, the military has intensified its security posture around Kebbe and neighbouring communities to prevent another attack.
The operations form part of the wider efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to combat Lakurawa and other armed groups operating across Sokoto, Kebbi and other parts of Nigeria’s North-West.
