Army Officer, Six Soldiers Killed in Terrorist Ambush During Kaduna Patrol

A Nigerian Army officer and six soldiers were reportedly killed on Monday evening after suspected terrorists ambushed troops during a patrol operation in the Chikun area of Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The deadly attack occurred despite recent military successes against armed groups operating within the Kaduna-Zaria corridor and surrounding communities, highlighting the persistent security challenges confronting troops in the North-West region.

Security sources told PRNigeria that the soldiers had earlier embarked on a routine operational patrol following a series of successful clearance missions that reportedly led to the neutralisation of several notorious terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers.

According to the sources, the troops were returning from the operation when heavily armed attackers launched a surprise assault, sparking a fierce gun battle.

Although the soldiers reportedly mounted a strong resistance and inflicted casualties on the attackers, the encounter resulted in the death of one military officer and six soldiers.

The latest setback has generated concern among security observers, particularly because it comes amid sustained military offensives that have weakened several criminal networks operating across Kaduna State.

Over the past few weeks, troops under the 1 Division Nigerian Army have intensified intelligence-driven operations, anti-kidnapping missions and clearance patrols across communities located along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway and adjoining forests.

The operations have reportedly led to the elimination of several bandit leaders, the dismantling of criminal hideouts, the rescue of kidnapped victims and the arrest of suspected gunrunners.

Security sources also noted that the sustained military pressure had contributed to a noticeable decline in attacks on motorists and residents in several affected communities.

Chikun remains one of the most strategic security locations in Kaduna State due to the presence of major military installations, including the Command Engineering Depot and several military residential facilities.

The area serves as an important operational base for troops conducting counter-terrorism, anti-banditry and anti-kidnapping operations across the state.

Military formations in the axis have maintained heightened surveillance and frequent clearance operations aimed at combating criminal activities such as kidnapping, cattle rustling, gunrunning and attacks on rural communities.

Security analysts say the latest ambush underscores the evolving tactics of armed groups who continue to exploit difficult terrain and launch retaliatory attacks despite suffering significant losses in recent military offensives.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on the incident.

However, security sources disclosed that reinforcement teams had been deployed to the area while efforts were underway to track the attackers and prevent further security breaches.

The attack comes amid broader coordinated operations by security agencies across Kaduna and neighbouring states aimed at dismantling terrorist enclaves, securing transportation corridors and restoring lasting peace to affected communities.