The Nigerian Army's 8 Division in Sokoto has a new leader. Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna officially assumed the role of General Officer Commanding (GOC) in a formal handover ceremony held on 16 January 2026.
A Ceremony of Transition at Giginya Cantonment
The change of command took place at the Division's Headquarters inside Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto. Major General Koughna took over the reins from the outgoing GOC, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja.
In his first address, the new GOC expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the trust placed in him. He immediately outlined his commitment to the region's safety.
"I will build on the successes already achieved and work with officers and men of the Division to enhance peace and security in the North West," Major General Koughna stated.
Seasoned Officer with a Distinguished Career
The incoming commander is a highly experienced senior officer with an impressive service record. Born on 20 November 1972, he is a member of the 43rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and was commissioned into the Army in 1996.
His academic credentials are extensive:
- A Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the NDA.
- A Master's degree in National Security and War Studies from the National Defence University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
- A Certificat d’Études Françaises from France.
Major General Koughna's career includes several critical appointments:
- Commanding Officer, 26 Battalion, Sokoto.
- Defence Adviser at the Nigerian High Commission in Islamabad.
- Chief of Staff, 6 Division.
- Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade.
- Director of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters.
- Deputy Chief of Operations at Army Headquarters.
Focus on Consolidating Security Gains in the North West
In his farewell speech, the departing GOC, Major General Ajose, congratulated his successor. He described Major General Koughna as a seasoned officer with extensive operational experience. Ajose highlighted the significant progress made against banditry in the North West during his tenure and expressed confidence that his successor would advance the fight further.
Major General Koughna is no stranger to complex security operations. His service portfolio includes:
- ECOMOG operations in Sierra Leone.
- Operation Harmony IV in the Bakassi Peninsula.
- The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Operation Restore Peace in Bakura Forest.
- Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where his leadership earned him the Nigerian Army Outstanding Tactical Command Medal.
Beyond his military duties, he is also an author, having written two books on leadership and strategy: Rivulets of Wisdom (2005) and Battle Leadership (2024).
The appointment places a commander with deep regional knowledge and a robust tactical background at the forefront of the ongoing efforts to stabilize the North West. The Army anticipates that his experience will be crucial in consolidating previous achievements and confronting the security challenges in Sector 2 of the Joint Task Force.
