BREAKING: ‘Repentant’ bandits ambush, kill eight soldiers in Kaduna

Eight Nigerian soldiers have reportedly been killed in an ambush by suspected bandits in Kaduna State, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the North-West and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes for surrendered fighters.

According to sources, the attack occurred on Monday when troops encountered armed bandits allegedly heading to attack communities along the Kaduna River corridor between Chikun and Igabi Local Government Areas.

A relative of one of the deceased soldiers said the encounter claimed the lives of one officer and seven other soldiers, adding that families of the victims were still awaiting official notification from military authorities.

“Yes, I can confirm the killing of eight soldiers, including my brother, by the so-called ‘repentant’ bandits in Kaduna State,” the source said.

The source further alleged that the same group had ambushed troops about a week earlier in another part of Kaduna State, killing one soldier and seriously injuring a military commander who is currently receiving treatment.

The latest attack has reignited debate over government-backed dialogue, reconciliation and rehabilitation initiatives designed to encourage bandits to surrender and abandon criminal activities.

Critics of the programme argue that some beneficiaries may have returned to criminal activities, while supporters maintain that non-kinetic measures remain an important component of efforts to restore peace in conflict-prone communities.

As of the time of filing this report, military authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

The development comes amid persistent security challenges across parts of Kaduna State and other North-West states, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks, kidnappings and raids on rural communities.

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