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.
