Ambush in northwest Nigeria kills 5 soldiers and 1 police officer

The Nigerian army reports that five soldiers and one police officer have been killed in an ambush in Zamfara state. The attack happened on Monday, according to a statement on Tuesday. Despite the surprise ambush, troops engaged the attackers and protected nearby communities. The ambush followed successful operations last week, where three suspects were arrested. Northern Nigeria has faced increased kidnappings and an ongoing insurgency. Boko Haram and an offshoot of the Islamic State group known as ISWAP have been active in the region, causing widespread violence and displacement. Last month, the U.S. launched airstrikes targeting IS in northern Nigeria.