A Nigerian Army officer and six soldiers have been killed following a deadly ambush by suspected terrorists in the Rigachikun area of Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The attack occurred on Monday evening, June 8, 2026, as troops were returning from a routine patrol operation in the area. The patrol was part of ongoing military efforts aimed at flushing out armed groups and restoring security along the Kaduna-Zaria corridor and surrounding communities.
Reports indicate that the troops had earlier carried out successful clearance operations that led to the neutralisation of several terrorist kingpins and their fighters. However, while returning from the mission, they were reportedly ambushed by heavily armed assailants, sparking a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Despite putting up strong resistance and inflicting casualties on the attackers, the troops lost one officer and six soldiers during the confrontation.
The incident comes amid intensified military operations by troops under the 1 Division Nigerian Army, which have recorded notable successes in recent weeks, including the elimination of notorious bandit leaders, the destruction of criminal hideouts, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of suspected gunrunners.
Security sources say the sustained operations have also contributed to a significant reduction in attacks on commuters and residents across the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway and nearby communities.
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