Army officer, 6 soldiers killed as troops repel ambush in Kaduna

A Nigerian Army officer and six soldiers were killed on Monday evening when troops came under a deadly ambush by suspected terrorists during a patrol operation in the Rigachikun area of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The attack occurred amid intensified military operations that have, in recent weeks, significantly degraded the activities of armed groups operating along the Kaduna-Zaria corridor and surrounding communities.

Security sources told PRNigeria that the troops had embarked on a routine operational patrol following a series of successful clearance operations that resulted in the neutralisation of several terrorist kingpins and their foot soldiers in the area.

According to the sources, the soldiers were returning from the mission when they were ambushed by heavily armed assailants, triggering a fierce gun battle.

Although the troops reportedly fought back and inflicted casualties on the attackers, the ambush claimed the lives of one officer and six soldiers.

The incident has come as a setback following recent successes recorded by troops operating under the 1 Division Nigerian Army in the area.

In recent weeks, security forces have intensified aggressive patrols, intelligence-led raids, anti-kidnapping operations and clearance missions across communities along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway and adjoining forests.

A security operative said the sustained operations had led to the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders, the destruction of criminal hideouts, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the arrest of gunrunners and a noticeable reduction in attacks on commuters and residents.

Rigachikun, a strategic community on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, hosts critical military facilities, including the Command Engineering Depot and military residential quarters. The area serves as a key operational base for troops conducting security operations across parts of Kaduna State.

Military formations in the axis have maintained heightened surveillance and regular clearance operations aimed at combating kidnapping, cattle rustling, gunrunning and other violent crimes that have long troubled communities in the North-West.

The latest ambush underscores the persistent threat posed by armed groups despite recent military gains and highlights the challenges facing security forces in their efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in the region.

As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

However, sources said reinforcement operations had been deployed to the area, while efforts were ongoing to track down the attackers and prevent further security breaches.

The attack comes as security agencies continue coordinated operations across Kaduna and neighbouring states aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit enclaves and securing major transportation routes.