Six soldiers killed as suspected terrorists ambush patrol in Kaduna

A Nigerian Army officer and six soldiers have been killed after troops on a routine patrol ran into an ambush by suspected terrorists in Kaduna State. The incident occurred on Monday evening along the Rigachikun axis of the Igabi Local Government Area.

​The attack has raised fresh concerns over persistent security threats in the region. It comes despite recent military successes against terrorist and bandit groups operating across the state.

​Security sources stated that the troops had earlier carried out clearance missions that disrupted criminal hideouts and neutralised several armed fighters along the Kaduna-Zaria corridor. The assailants ambushed the detachment while it was returning from the successful operation.

​Intense gun battle in Rigachikun

​According to sources, the heavily armed attackers opened fire on the soldiers, triggering a fierce gun battle. Although the troops fought back and inflicted casualties on the assailants, one officer and six soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.

​The incident occurred as troops under the 1 Division Nigerian Army intensified intelligence-driven operations, anti-kidnapping patrols, and clearance missions. These initiatives aim to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks across Kaduna State and neighbouring areas.

​Military sources said sustained operations in recent weeks had led to the elimination of several bandit leaders, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the recovery of weapons. These efforts also disrupted criminal supply routes, reducing attacks on motorists along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway.

Read also: Insecurity in Nigeria: A national emergency demanding collective resolve

​Strategic military facilities at risk

​Rigachikun, located on the outskirts of the Kaduna metropolis, is a strategic security location. It hosts key military facilities, including the Command Engineering Depot and military residential quarters, which serve as operational bases for security deployments across the state.

​The latest ambush is expected to reinforce concerns over the resilience of armed groups. These factions continue to launch attacks despite sustained military offensives targeting their enclaves in the North-West.

​Sources disclosed that reinforcement troops had already deployed to the area following the attack. Security personnel are conducting follow-up operations to track down the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches.

​Coordinated operations face resilience

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

​The attack comes amid ongoing coordinated security operations across Kaduna and neighbouring states. These exercises aim to dismantle terrorist strongholds, curb kidnapping, and restore safety along major transportation corridors in the region.