He was promoted to poruchik rank in 1838 and to that of captain in 1841 during Caucasian war. In the campaigns of 1842-1843 Bakikhanov fought against the mountaineers in the Samur region and Mountainous Dagestan; a service for which he was awarded with rank stabsrittmeister of Cossack Regiment of the Imperial Guard and subsequent appointment in Separate Caucasian Corps and the following year was promoted to the rittmeister of the Guard . In 1844-1848 he was also in Dagestan and participated in the battles of Salta and Gergebil, including the battle against Haji Murad. He especially distinguished himself during the storming of the last aul - Akhty - in 1848. For his services, he was promoted to colonel on June 6, 1848 and was awarded a gold sword with the inscription "For bravery".