Dare Babalola
Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, General Officer Commanding 8 Division Nigerian Army, has visited Tidibale community in Sokoto State’s Isa Local Government Area.
During his visit, he assured residents displaced by recent bandit attacks of the army’s strengthened and sustained protection.
The visit, his first major field engagement since taking command, comes as security forces face growing pressure to stabilise rural areas in North-West Nigeria, a region long plagued by banditry, abductions, and displacement.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division, Olaniyi Osoba, on Sunday.
Addressing residents during the assessment tour, Major General Koughna said the Nigerian Army was “fully committed to ensuring that no community is left at the mercy of criminal elements,” adding that troops had been permanently deployed to the area.
“This visit is part of our initial assessment following the safe return of Tidibale residents who were threatened by bandits.
“Our goal is to protect communities, restore normalcy and allow people to farm and live without fear. No part of this community will remain under bandit control,” he said.
The GOC urged residents to support troops with timely intelligence, noting that information sharing was vital for early response and community defence.
“Security is a collective responsibility,” he said. “By working together, we can make this community safer and more resilient.”
Tidibale and neighbouring settlements have come under repeated attacks in recent years, forcing many villagers to flee or pay ransom to gunmen.
Community leaders said the insecurity had disrupted farming cycles, the backbone of the local economy, and deepened rural vulnerability.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Sarkin Arewa, Alhaji Ibrahim, described the Army chief’s visit as reassuring for residents gradually returning home after months of instability.
“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,” he said.
Before visiting Tidibale, Major General Koughna received an operational briefing at the Isa Forward Operating Base, where the Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Nasiru Mustapha, provided insights into the security situation and troop deployments.
While recent counter-banditry operations have reclaimed some rural communities, the North-West remains one of Nigeria’s most unstable regions outside the North-East insurgency corridor.
Military authorities said the 8 Division would continue to reinforce deployments and collaborate with local stakeholders to achieve durable peace and security across Sokoto State and the wider North-West.
