Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army; Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for 8 Division and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA; and residents of Kebbe Local Government Area, Sokoto State, held an operational security engagement on Sunday, August 16, 2026, after renewed threats allegedly linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group prompted fresh concern among communities along the Sokoto-Kebbi border.

Koughna’s visit included an assessment of the Forward Operating Base in Kebbe and surrounding communities following reports of a renewed attack on Ungushi.

Also read: BoI secures major investor boost with N250bn bond

The engagement came as security concerns intensified in the border area, where residents have reportedly faced attacks, livestock rustling and displacement.

Osoba disclosed the commander’s visit in a statement, saying Koughna met community leaders and residents to hear their concerns and assess the security situation on the ground.

Koughna told residents that the Army had adjusted its security architecture in response to emerging threats and was working to prevent terrorist elements from gaining a foothold in the area.

“Troops remain fully deployed, highly alert and operationally focused on protecting lives and property,” Koughna said.

The Army commander also assured residents that emerging threats would be identified and contained before they could escalate.

“The Nigerian Army remains unwavering in its determination to respond swiftly and decisively to any emerging threats,” he said.

The reassurance is significant for Kebbe, where communities have become increasingly sensitive to the movement of armed groups across the wider North-West.

Koughna said terrorist elements would not be permitted to establish safe havens in Kebbe or neighbouring communities, adding that troops would maintain a robust presence in the area.

“We will continue to maintain a robust presence in this area and ensure that our troops remain ready to respond to any threat to the peace and security of the people,” he said.

The commander nevertheless urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, stressing that the presence of security forces was intended to restore confidence as well as deter further attacks.

The Army’s appeal also placed considerable emphasis on cooperation with local communities.

Koughna asked residents and community leaders to provide timely and credible intelligence, particularly information concerning suspicious movements, unfamiliar individuals and activities that could pose a security threat.

“Community support remains a critical component in detecting, disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks before they can launch attacks,” he said.

The emphasis on intelligence comes against a difficult security backdrop in Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi, where Lakurawa-linked violence has repeatedly affected rural communities.

In March 2026, suspected Lakurawa fighters attacked Manu village in Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, killing at least one person and injuring several others, according to reports. The incident was one of several attacks reported in border communities.

Earlier, in January, suspected Lakurawa attackers were reported to have killed residents in Baidi village in Tangaza.

Reports from the time said the attackers also forced residents to flee, underlining the vulnerability of communities situated close to the international border.

Kebbi has faced a similarly serious challenge.

In February, Kebbi police said suspected Lakurawa militants killed 33 residents in several communities in Arewa Local Government Area during attacks reportedly connected to cattle rustling.

Police said the attackers were believed to have entered the area from Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto.

Military operations have also recorded successes against the group.

On June 14, troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, conducted an offensive around Dogon Daji in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The Army said the operation forced suspected Lakurawa fighters to flee and resulted in the recovery of rocket-propelled grenade launch tubes, RPG warheads, improvised explosive devices, motorcycles and other equipment.

The military subsequently reported another operation in Kebbi on June 27, when soldiers killed two suspected Lakurawa members during an operation in the Sabarumawa area and recovered arms and ammunition.

The continuing attacks and counter-operations illustrate the complexity of securing the region, particularly where porous borders allow armed groups and criminal networks to move between communities.

Research published in July by Good Governance Africa also cautioned against treating every armed group operating in the North-West as part of a single organisation.

The report distinguished Lakurawa from Islamic State Sahel Province, saying the two groups were separate and hostile to one another, despite frequent conflation in public discussions.

That distinction makes accurate intelligence and attribution particularly important for security agencies operating across the region.

For residents of Kebbe, however, the immediate concern is more practical: whether the increased military presence can prevent another attack and allow communities to resume normal activities without fear.

Koughna said the Army would continue to protect lives, property and critical infrastructure in Kebbe and other vulnerable locations within the operational area.

“We will not allow criminal elements to intimidate our people or disrupt their livelihoods,” he said, adding that troops would continue to operate with determination and professionalism.

The latest assessment therefore represents more than a routine command visit.

It is part of an effort to reassure communities while strengthening the military’s response to a threat that has repeatedly crossed local government and state boundaries.

Also read: BoI secures major investor boost with N250bn bond

For Kebbe residents, the success of that strategy will ultimately be measured not by assurances alone, but by whether attacks decline, displaced families can return safely and farmers and livestock owners can pursue their livelihoods without renewed disruption.