Fresh concerns have emerged over Kaduna State’s rehabilitation programme for former bandits following reports that eight Nigerian soldiers were killed in an ambush allegedly carried out by suspected “repentant” bandits.
According to sources, the incident occurred on Monday during a military operation in Kaduna State. A relative of one of the slain soldiers confirmed the development, saying families of the victims are still grieving and awaiting official communication 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 explained that the armed group was reportedly moving to attack communities located along the Kaduna River between Chikun and Igabi Local Government Areas when they encountered troops.
According to the account, a fierce confrontation followed, resulting in the death of one officer and seven other soldiers.
“The troops came into contact with the bandits and lost one officer and seven other soldiers during the encounter,” the source added.
The source further alleged that the same group had attacked soldiers at another location in Kaduna about a week earlier, killing one soldier and leaving a military commander seriously injured. The officer is reportedly receiving medical treatment.
The incident has reignited debate over Kaduna State’s non-kinetic strategy for tackling insecurity, a policy that encourages dialogue, reconciliation and rehabilitation for bandits who voluntarily surrender their weapons.
Critics of the programme have repeatedly questioned whether some individuals taking part in the initiative have genuinely renounced criminal activities, while supporters argue that non-kinetic measures remain an important complement to military operations in addressing insecurity.
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