Militant Attacks Claim 25 Lives in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Deadly Assault in Madagali and Hong

At least 25 people were killed in late February 2026 during coordinated militant attacks across Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria. The primary assault occurred in the Madagali Local Government Area, with additional casualties reported in the neighboring town of Hong. The attacks, which unfolded on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, involved gunmen on motorcycles who opened fire indiscriminately and set ablaze homes, shops, and places of worship.

In Madagali, specifically in the villages of Kirchinga and Garaha, 25 Christians were reportedly massacred. Among the deceased was Bademi Papka, the village head of Shuwari and a cousin of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The assailants also looted markets, stealing food items and motorcycles. Four additional individuals, including three troops and one woman, were killed in Hong.

Perpetrators and Modus Operandi

While many sources attributed the attacks to Boko Haram militants, witnesses interviewed by TruthNigeria suggested the involvement of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Both groups maintain affiliations with the Islamic State. The militants reportedly arrived in military camouflage, on motorcycles, and specifically called out Christian residents by name, indicating a targeted operation. This pattern of attack, involving fighters in military uniforms and prior knowledge of community layouts, has been observed in previous incidents in the region.

Regional Context and Official Response

The Madagali area, situated near the border with Cameroon and in proximity to the Sambisa forest, has been a frequent target of insurgent activities since Boko Haram's insurgency began in 2009. This recent incident marks the fifth attack in the Madagali region within a five-month period.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the attacks, describing them as 'cowardly acts of terrorism' and vowed that his administration would not succumb to fear, promising that justice would be served for the victims. The Governor visited the affected communities to assess the situation and offer condolences. The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed that Commissioner of Police Dankombo Morris also visited the areas to evaluate the situation and strengthen security deployments. International human rights organization Amnesty International described the killings as 'horrifying' and called for intensified efforts to protect lives. The United Nations estimates that the ongoing insurgency in Nigeria has resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced more than two million people since 2009.