Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna has formally assumed command as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West) Operation FANSAN YAMMA during a handover ceremony at the Headquarters 8 Division, Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto. He succeeds Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, whose tenure was marked by significant strides in regional security and counter-banditry operations across North West.
Major General Koughna
In his inaugural address, expressed deep gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu for the confidence reposed in him. He reaffirmed his commitment to building on the successes of his predecessor and advancing the Division’s mission to enhance security and stability in the region.
Earlier, the former GOC Major General Ajose, in his valedictory remarks, congratulated his successor, praising his operational experience and leadership acumen. He expressed confidence that Major General Koughna would elevate the Division’s efforts in combating terrorism and banditry, given his profound understanding of the region’s security dynamics.
Major General Koughna is a highly decorated senior officer of the Nigerian Army, renowned for his exceptional leadership, strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication to national and international security. Born on 20 November 1972,he is a proud member of the 43rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1996.
Major General Koughna holds Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics (Honours) from the NDA
a Master’s of Science Degree in National Security and War Studies from the National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan and a Certificat d’Études Françaises (1er Degré) from France.
Major General Koughna’s career spans critical command, staff and instructional roles including, Assistant Deputy Military Secretary at Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Senior Instructor at Nigerian Defence Academy, Commanding Officer 26 Battalion Sokoto,Defence Adviser Nigerian High Commission Islamabad, Chief of Staff 6 Division, Commander 27 Task Force Brigade, Director of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs and Deputy Chief of Operations at Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations before his current appointment as the eleventh GOC 8 Division
His operational expertise extends to peacekeeping, conflict resolution and domestic security with deployments in some of the most challenging theaters in West and Central Africa, including ECOWAS Monitoring Group (Sierra Leone), where he contributed to stabilizing a war-torn nation, Operation Harmony IV (Bakassi Peninsula) where he demonstrated strategic and diplomatic prowess in resolving territorial disputes, United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where he operated in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
On the home front, Major General Koughna has led high-impact operations, such as Operation Restore Peace (Bakura Forest) where he successfully neutralized security threats and Operation HADIN KAI in Buni Gari where he Spearheaded counter-insurgency efforts against terrorists groups. His tactical brilliance earned him the Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal for his role in combating Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.
Beyond his military accomplishments, Major General Koughna is a prolific author, sharing his insights on leadership and strategy through his books which include “Rivulets of Wisdom” (2005) which explores principles of effective leadership and personal development and “Battle Leadership” (2024),a comprehensive guide for military leaders, blending theory with practical combat wisdom.
Major General Koughna is married with three children. He balances his demanding career with a commitment to personal growth, enjoying reading and squash, a reflection of his intellectual curiosity and competitive spirit.
As the 11th GOC of 8 Division and Commander of Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Koughna brings a wealth of experience, strategic vision and unwavering resolve to his new role. His leadership promises to strengthen security, foster stability, and inspire confidence in the North West region.
A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Odoba, the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 8 Division Nigerian Army/Sector 2 Operation
