[citation needed] At the age of 17, Zighoud joined the Algerian People's Party (PPA) and became a local official in Smendou in 1938.

[citation needed] After being elected in the Movement for the Triumph of Democratic Liberties (MTLD) in 1947, he took part in the Special Organization (OS), which was called to prepare all essential requirements for the armed struggle, after the total failure of the peaceful parth.

Arrested in 1950 by the French colonial police, which had discovered the (OS), he was charged and thrown in jail in Annaba, but he escaped.

[citation needed] In that role, he organised and directed the famous August 20, 1955 Battle of Philippeville, which was referred to as "the bloodbath of Constantine region" and was firmly condemned by the FLN head command.

On September 25, 1956, aat the age of 35, Zighoud was killed during an explicative and organisational tour of his units by a French Army ambush in Sidi Mezghiche, Skikda Province.