By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna has assumed office as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
In his valedictory comment during the brief handing over and taking over ceremony at the
Headquarters, 8 Division, Giginya Cantonment, the outgoing GOC, Major General Ibikunle Ajose said he was leaving as a happy man, considering the successes so far recorded in his 18 months leadership of the Division.
“While I am excited to be leaving to undertake new challenges in the Nigerian Army, I am equally saddened that I will be leaving behind a good crop of officers and their families, and also disciplined and motivated soldiers. We have indeed come a long way.
“In 8 Division, Sector Two, Operation Fassan Yamma, we have been able to neutralize so many bandit leaders. We have destroyed quite a number of their enclaves. And in the year 2025 alone, we captured over 200 weapons, thousands of ammunition, recovered more than 1000 livestock and rescued over 1000 kidnap victims,” he said.
Speaking on the antecedent of his successor, Maj. Gen. Ajose said the incoming GOC, Maj. Gen. Koughna is a highly decorated senior officer, renowned for his exceptional leadership, strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication to national and international security.
“Major General Koughna would elevate the Division’s efforts in combating terrorism and banditry, given his profound understanding of the region’s security dynamic,” Ajose enthused.
Responding, in his inaugural address, Maj. Gen Koughna thanked God and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for the confidence reposed in him, even as he promised to build on the successes of his predecessor in ensuring security and stability in the region.
