Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — At least eight residents have been killed and four others remain missing after suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched coordinated assaults on three rural communities in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on the night of Monday, December 29, 2025. The violence marks one of several recent episodes of extremist attacks in the northeastern region and has prompted urgent appeals for security reinforcement and humanitarian assistance.
Local authorities confirmed that the attackers struck the villages of Zah, Kijing and Mubang, carrying out the raids under the cover of darkness and forcing villagers to flee for their lives. According to Inuwa Usman Wa’aganda, Chairman of Hong LGA, community members found the bodies of eight victims following the assault, while four others are still unaccounted for as families search surrounding areas.
Residents who survived the attack described chaos and terror as gunmen moved through the settlements, killing civilians and destroying homes and property before withdrawing into nearby bushland ahead of the arrival of security forces. “The night was one of horror,” said one local, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We heard gunshots, then saw homes burning and neighbours running for cover.”
The aftermath of the attack has left villagers displaced and traumatised, many of whom have taken refuge in neighbouring towns with little more than the clothes they wore. Several houses, shops and food stores were reportedly burned or vandalised, exacerbating the hardship facing survivors already grappling with insecurity and limited access to basic services.
Security agencies have yet to issue a detailed official statement on the incident, but sources within the Nigeria Police Force and military said additional personnel have been deployed to the affected communities in an effort to restore order and prevent further insurgent incursions. Local police commands have historically been cautious in commenting directly on terrorism-linked attacks, often deferring to national security authorities for confirmation and operational updates.
The Boko Haram insurgency, which began in northeastern Nigeria in 2009, has long targeted communities in Adamawa State along with neighbouring Borno and Yobe states. The group’s stated aim of imposing a strict interpretation of Islamic law has fuelled a prolonged conflict that has displaced millions, killed tens of thousands, and drawn in government forces and regional partners in a decades-long effort to contain its operations.
This latest attack is the third wave of violence in the Hong LGA area during the Christmas and festive period, following earlier assaults reported in the districts of Mayo Ladde and Garaha. Analysts say these recurrent incursions highlight both the enduring capacity of Boko Haram and its splinter factions to strike rural communities and the continuing challenge of securing remote border-land areas.
Urban centres such as Yola, Adamawa’s capital, have in recent years seen heightened security presence, but many outlying settlements remain vulnerable, with limited access to rapid response units or sustained military patrols. Residents and civil society groups have repeatedly urged the federal and state governments to accelerate deployment of security resources, enhance intelligence-led operations, and improve community protection mechanisms.
Humanitarian organisations working in northeastern Nigeria have expressed deep concern over the impact of persistent attacks on already fragile communities. Many displaced villagers now face shortages of food, clean water, shelter and medical care as they await support from government agencies and aid groups. Some local leaders have called for urgent delivery of relief supplies and financial assistance for victims to rebuild their lives.
The attack has also intensified debate among security analysts about how best to address the insurgent threat, particularly as Boko Haram and the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to operate across porous terrain that spans national borders and remote riverine regions. Experts say a combination of military pressure, community intelligence sharing, and socio-economic development programmes is critical to undermining extremist influence and reducing the likelihood of future raids.
In response to the escalating threat, authorities have periodically launched coordinated operations involving the Nigerian Army, Air Force, police units and local vigilante groups aimed at disrupting insurgent logistics and eliminating hardened fighters. While these operations have recorded tactical successes — including arrests, seizures of weapons, and fatal engagements with militants — rural communities continue to bear the brunt of attacks.
International partners, including regional security alliances and foreign development agencies, have underscored the importance of supporting Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts with training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance for displaced populations. However, funding constraints and competing priorities have at times slowed the delivery of sustained aid to frontier communities like those in Hong LGA.
The devastating assault in Adamawa State comes as parts of northeastern Nigeria brace for further insecurity during the early months of the new year, with authorities urging civilians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement. Local leaders have reiterated calls for a heightened security presence, more robust early-warning systems, and expanded community engagement to help protect vulnerable populations from recurring terror attacks.
As families mourn the dead and search for those still missing, the violence underscores the ongoing human cost of the Boko Haram insurgency and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that prioritise both security and the long-term stability of affected communities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments