New GOC Takes Charge In Sokoto As Army Intensifies Fight Against Banditry
Leadership changes in Nigeria’s North West always carry high stakes, especially in a region battling banditry, terrorism and community insecurity.
Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna has formally assumed duty as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
The handover ceremony took place at the 8 Division Headquarters, Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, where he took over from Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, whose tenure recorded notable gains in counter-banditry operations across the zone.
In his maiden address, General Koughna thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to consolidate on his predecessor’s achievements and strengthen security across the North West.
Outgoing GOC, Major General Ajose, praised his successor’s operational depth and leadership experience, expressing confidence that Koughna will further degrade criminal networks and improve civil-military relations in the region.
A member of the 43rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, General Koughna brings nearly three decades of military experience, including peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as key roles in Operations Harmony IV, Restore Peace and HADIN KAI.
Beyond the battlefield, he is an author of two leadership books, Rivulets of Wisdom and Battle Leadership, and is known for his intellectual and strategic approach to military command.
Married with three children, the new GOC is expected to inject fresh operational energy into Operation FANSAN YAMMA as the military escalates efforts to stabilise the North West.
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