Koko Maxwella 
SOKOTO, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army vows sustained protection for the Tidibale community in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State following renewed bandit attacks that displaced residents and disrupted farming livelihoods.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division,Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, gives the assurance during his first major operational visit since assuming command, amid growing pressure on security forces to stabilise the North-West.
“No community will be left at the mercy of criminal elements,” Koughna tells residents, confirming that troops are permanently deployed to the area.
According to the Army in a statement on Sunday, the visit follows the gradual return of villagers who fled repeated attacks by armed groups operating across rural Sokoto.
“Our goal is to restore normalcy and allow people to farm and live without fear,” the GOC says, urging residents to share timely intelligence to support military operations.
Tidibale and surrounding settlements have endured years of banditry marked by abductions, ransom payments and forced displacement, crippling agriculture—the backbone of the local economy.
Community leader Sarkin Arewa, Alhaji Ibrahim, describes the visit as a turning point.
“This has renewed our hope. We believe lasting peace is possible,” he says.
Earlier, the GOC received an operational briefing at the Isa Forward Operating Base from the Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Nasiru Mustapha, on troop deployment and security challenges.
About the Author
Chukwu Obinna 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom 