A Nigerian Army officer and six soldiers were killed on Monday evening after suspected terrorists ambushed troops during a patrol operation in the Rigachikun area of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The attack occurred at a time when security forces have intensified operations against armed groups operating along the Kaduna–Zaria corridor and surrounding communities. Recent military offensives in the area were said to have weakened the activities of terrorists and bandits.
Security sources told PRNigeria that the troops had embarked on a routine patrol mission following a series of successful clearance operations that led to the killing of several terrorist leaders and their fighters in the area.
According to the sources, the soldiers were returning from the operation when heavily armed attackers laid an ambush for them, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Although the troops reportedly fought back and inflicted losses on the attackers, one officer and six soldiers lost their lives during the encounter.
The incident is seen as a setback to the recent gains recorded by troops under the 1 Division Nigerian Army. In recent weeks, security personnel have carried out aggressive patrols, intelligence-led raids, anti-kidnapping operations and clearance missions across communities along the Kaduna–Zaria Expressway and nearby forests.
A security operative said the sustained operations had resulted in the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders, the destruction of criminal hideouts, the rescue of kidnapped victims, the arrest of arms traffickers and a reduction in attacks on residents and travellers.
Rigachikun, located on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, hosts important military facilities, including the Command Engineering Depot and military residential quarters. The community serves as a major operational base for troops conducting security operations across parts of Kaduna State.
Military formations in the area have maintained intensive surveillance and regular clearance operations aimed at tackling kidnapping, cattle rustling, arms trafficking and other violent crimes affecting communities in the North-West region.
The latest attack highlights the continuing threat posed by armed groups despite recent military successes and underscores the challenges facing security agencies in their efforts to restore lasting peace and security.
As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had not issued an official statement on the incident. However, sources said reinforcement troops 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 to dismantle terrorist and bandit hideouts and secure major transportation routes.