By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
What began as a routine operational visit to frontline troops turned into a fierce life-and-death firefight when terrorists sprang a carefully laid ambush on the convoy of the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Bemgha Koughna, deep inside the volatile forests near Mayama Hill.
But within minutes, the attackers’ plan collapsed.
Instead of a high-profile military casualty, the insurgents left bodies, weapons and cash behind as soldiers counter-attacked with overwhelming force, killing five of them on the spot.
Military sources disclosed the convoy commander was heading to inspect troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA when gunmen believed to belong to the Lakurawa terrorist group opened heavy fire from concealed positions along the rugged terrain.
The sudden barrage was designed to cripple the convoy and eliminate senior leadership.
Instead, soldiers instantly formed defensive positions.
Eyewitness accounts described a thunderous exchange of gunfire that echoed across the hills as the GOC personally coordinated the counter-attack.
Within moments, troops gained fire superiority and forced the attackers into retreat.
Five terrorists were neutralised during the encounter.
After repelling the ambush, troops swept the battlefield and uncovered what officials described as a “mobile assault logistics base” abandoned by fleeing fighters.
Recovered items included:
One OJC machine gun
One PKT machine gun
Two AK-47 rifles
Four AK-47 magazines
Bandolier of PKT ammunition
Several rounds of 12.7mm
ammunition
₦840,000 in cash hidden in a camel bag
Two mobile phones
Five motorcycles
Security analysts say the motorcycles suggest the terrorists intended a rapid escape after striking the convoy.
Troops have since established dominance across the surrounding forest to prevent regrouping attacks, while intelligence teams analyse recovered phones and documents.
Military authorities say the foiled attack delivers a decisive psychological blow to armed groups operating in the North-West corridor.
The operation, officials stressed, demonstrates the Army’s readiness to confront insurgents directly even when top commanders are targeted.
For residents in nearby communities long plagued by raids, the message was immediate: the hunters became the hunted on Mayama Hill.
