The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, has assured residents of Tidibale community in Isa Local Government Area, Sokoto State, of strengthened military protection following repeated bandit attacks.
The visit, his first major field engagement since assuming command, aimed to assess the security situation and reassure residents recently displaced by violence.
Addressing community members, Major General Koughna said, “The Nigerian Army is fully committed to ensuring that no community is left at the mercy of criminal elements. Troops have been permanently deployed to Tidibale, and we will protect lives, restore normalcy, and allow people to farm and live without fear.”
He urged residents to support the troops by sharing timely intelligence, emphasizing that “security is a collective responsibility. By working together, we can make this community safer and more resilient.”
Sarkin Arewa, Alhaji Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the community, welcomed the visit, saying, “This visit has renewed our hope. We appreciate the Nigerian Army’s efforts to secure our community and help us return to our normal lives. We are confident in the GOC’s commitment to bringing lasting peace.”
Before visiting Tidibale, Major General Koughna received an operational briefing at the Isa Forward Operating Base, where Lieutenant Colonel Nasiru Mustapha of the 26 Battalion provided insights into troop deployments and ongoing counter-banditry operations.
Military authorities said the 8 Division would continue reinforcing deployments and collaborating with local stakeholders to achieve lasting peace across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region, which remains plagued by banditry and forced displacement.
