A wave of coordinated attacks by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists has left at least 25 people dead across two local government areas in Adamawa State.

The raids, which occurred late Tuesday night (February 24, 2026), targeted villages on the edge of the Sambisa Forest, highlighting the persistent volatility along the border region between Adamawa and Borno states.

The violence was split across two primary locations:

• Madagali LGA (Kirchinga Village): At least 18 people were killed, including a newly appointed village head and a Catholic priest. Survivors reported that the attackers arrived in military uniforms, tricking residents into believing they were soldiers on patrol before they opened fire and razed homes and shops.+1
• Hong LGA (Garaha Village): Approximately 7 people were killed. The militants, riding on over 50 motorcycles, reportedly overran a military camp, killing three soldiers. Four civilians were also shot while attempting to flee the chaos. A local primary school and several houses were set ablaze.

• Mass Displacement: Thousands of residents have reportedly fled the affected communities, with many seeking refuge in Mubi, the nearest major town.
• Security Response: The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the communities today. While security personnel have been deployed to restore order, residents remain on edge, with reports of families sleeping in the bushes for safety.+1
• Government Reaction: Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the killings as “cowardly acts of terrorism” and vowed that his administration would not “surrender to fear.” He has pledged to work with the federal government to enhance military presence in the frontline LGAs.

---

This tragedy comes just days after the appointment of Acting IGP Tunji Disu, underscoring the immediate security challenges he faces in the Northeast.