GOC 8 Div leads confidence-building visit as army reassures Sokoto residents on security

From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, has led a confidence-building visit to Shuni and its surrounding communities, assuring residents that the security situation remains under control despite reports of bandits operating in nearby Dalijan.

The visit followed concerns triggered by reports that armed bandits were sighted in Dalijan, a community about two kilometres from Shuni and less than seven kilometres from the Headquarters of the 8 Division Nigerian Army in Sokoto.

“Rather than relying solely on field reports, the GOC personally assessed the situation on the ground, overseeing security arrangements and ensuring troops maintained a strong operational presence in the area” a military source said

According to the source, the visit formed part of the Army’s proactive efforts to strengthen public confidence, reinforce ongoing operations and demonstrate its readiness to respond to emerging security threats.

“The situation is under control. The GOC was on-site to ensure the necessary security arrangements are in place and to reassure the public of their safety,” the source added.

The Army’s swift deployment of its top field commander underscored its commitment to maintaining peace and preventing criminal elements from disrupting normal life in communities around Shuni.

Residents were urged to remain calm, disregard unverified reports capable of causing unnecessary panic and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid ongoing operations.

Military authorities maintained that troops would sustain clearance and surveillance operations across the affected axis to ensure bandits are denied freedom of movement and that residents continue to go about their lawful activities without fear.

The visit by the GOC comes as the Nigerian Army intensifies efforts under ongoing counter-banditry operations to strengthen security across Sokoto State and other parts of the North-West.