Suspected Terrorists Kill 25 in Adamawa Village Attacks, Torch Homes
At least twenty-five people were tragically killed and several houses were set ablaze after gunmen launched coordinated attacks on two villages in Adamawa State. The deadly incidents occurred on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, according to reports from Reuters.
Details of the Twin Village Raids
The attackers targeted Kirchinga in the Madagali district and Garaha in the neighboring Hong area. Both villages are situated on the edge of the Sambisa Forest, a known operational zone for terrorist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
These twin raids underscore the persistent and severe insecurity plaguing Nigeria's northeast region, which remains the epicenter of a devastating seventeen-year Islamist insurgency. This violence continues despite extensive military campaigns and counter-terrorism efforts over many years.
Deceptive Tactics and Community Impact
Abubakar Lawan Kanuri, the village head of Kirchinga, provided a harrowing account to Reuters on Wednesday. He explained that the assailants arrived on Tuesday evening wearing military uniforms, which initially deceived residents into believing they were Nigerian soldiers on a routine patrol.
Kanuri confirmed that eighteen bodies were recovered after the gunmen swept violently through the community, leaving devastation in their wake.
Assault on Garaha and Military Base
In Garaha, the attack was equally brutal. Resident Musa Isa, who narrowly escaped the violence, reported that seven people were killed when gunmen riding on more than fifty motorcycles stormed the village. The attackers also targeted a nearby military base during the assault.
Isa described the chaotic scene, stating, "They advanced from several directions and hit the military base, killing three soldiers. Four fleeing residents were shot, and a school was also burned." He added that many terrified villagers have since fled to Mubi, the nearest major town, seeking safety and refuge.
Official Condemnation and Vow for Peace
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri strongly condemned the attacks, labeling them as "cowardly acts of terrorism." In a statement issued by his spokesman, Humwashi Wonosikou, Governor Fintiri vowed that his administration would not allow terrorists to undermine ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the state.
The governor's firm stance highlights the critical need for enhanced security measures and continued vigilance in the region to protect vulnerable communities from such horrific violence.
