Soldiers ambushed in Kaduna, one killed, another injured

Two soldiers from the 312 Battalion, stationed at Kalapanzi Barracks in Kaduna, were ambushed by armed assailants in Babar Saura on April 2, 2025, at around 4:41 PM.

Security expert Zagazola Makama reported the incident on Thursday, revealing that intelligence sources indicated three attackers, heavily armed with advanced weaponry, opened fire on the soldiers. The attack resulted in the death of Corporal James (last name withheld) and left Private Ibrahim Bazalla injured.

The assailants seized two AK-47 rifles from the soldiers before fleeing the scene.

The wounded soldiers were rushed to the 44 Army Reference Hospital, where Corporal James was confirmed dead. Private Bazalla is currently receiving treatment for his injuries.

In response, a joint operation involving military forces, police, and local vigilante groups was launched, leading to the assailants being tracked to Degel2 in Kaduna, where they abandoned a silver Toyota Corolla. During their escape, the attackers forcibly took a white Toyota Venza from a civilian, Abdullahi Mohammed, in Badarawa, Kaduna.

Authorities are actively pursuing the suspects and working to recover the stolen vehicle.

In a separate incident, gunmen attacked the Awgu Divisional Police Headquarters in Enugu State on March 24, 2025, killing Police Constable Akpa Emmanuel. The attackers also vandalized police facilities and stole weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and two riot guns.

The attack has led to heightened security in Awgu, with agents and operatives taking over the area. Enugu’s new Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has deployed tactical teams to strengthen security in response to the attack, which occurred just weeks after the new Divisional Police Officer was posted to the station.