Anxiety has gripped families of Nigerian Army personnel following reports that eight soldiers were killed on Monday, after an ambush involving armed bandits described by sources as ‘repentant’ fighters in Kaduna State.
According to family sources who spoke via WhatsApp messages and other local contacts to reporters, the incident occurred when troops reportedly encountered armed groups along the Kaduna River axis between Chikun and Igabi local government areas.
The encounter, which reportedly escalated into a fierce gun battle, is said to have resulted in the loss of one officer and seven soldiers, while several others sustained injuries or escaped the attack.
However, as of the time of filing this report, military authorities had yet to issue an official confirmation or formally notify the families of the affected personnel, deepening confusion and anguish among relatives waiting for clarity.
One relative of a slain soldier claimed the attackers were linked to individuals previously described under government rehabilitation or “repentance” programmes. “Yes, I can confirm the killing of eight soldiers, including my brother, by the so-called ‘repentant’ bandits in Kaduna State”, the source said, adding that the troops were intercepted while responding to suspected movement of armed groups.
The source further alleged that the same group had been involved in an earlier ambush in the state days before, in which a soldier was killed and a senior officer reportedly sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The latest incident has once again drawn attention to the evolving security strategy in parts of northern Nigeria, particularly Kaduna State, where authorities have combined military operations with dialogue, amnesty, and rehabilitation programmes for surrendered armed groups.
The Nigerian Army is yet to issue a detailed official statement on the incident.
