Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Carmen Diego
An attack by suspected members of Boko Haram on a military position in Adamawa State has left three soldiers and a civilian woman dead, intensifying security concerns in parts of the North East.
The assault occurred in Garaha District within Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State on Saturday, February 21. According to local accounts, the insurgents stormed the military camp in the late morning hours, firing indiscriminately and overwhelming personnel stationed at the facility.
Witnesses reported that the attackers approached from the rear of the camp through the Lar route, catching soldiers off guard. Although the troops reportedly mounted resistance, the assailants were said to have gained the upper hand during the exchange, resulting in significant casualties and the destruction of the camp.
Isaiah Yerima, a resident who witnessed the incident from a distance, said the soldiers fought back but were outmaneuvered. He stated that three military personnel were killed in the confrontation. A civilian woman attempting to flee the scene was reportedly struck by a stray bullet and died shortly afterward.
In addition to the fatalities, the insurgents set fire to a primary school and other structures in the area. Residents said the burning of public facilities compounded fears among villagers, many of whom temporarily fled to nearby communities for safety.
The attack is described by local leaders as part of a pattern of renewed insurgent activity in Hong LGA in recent months. Communities in the area have reported sporadic incursions and ambushes targeting security formations and civilian infrastructure.
While the military had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting, confirmation of the attack came from Usman Aliyu Wa’aganda, chairman of Hong Local Government Area, and Tol Alheri Nyako, the paramount ruler of Hong. Both acknowledged the incident and expressed concern over the resurgence of violent activity.
Hong LGA lies within a region that has experienced fluctuating levels of insurgency linked to Boko Haram and its splinter factions over the past decade. Although military operations have degraded the group’s territorial control compared to the height of the insurgency, sporadic attacks on rural communities and security outposts continue to occur.
Security analysts note that insurgent tactics in recent years have included surprise raids on isolated military camps and ambushes along secondary routes. Such attacks are often designed to seize weapons, undermine morale, and project continued operational capability.
The destruction of civilian facilities, including the primary school, underscores the broader impact of the conflict on local communities. Education and social services in parts of northeastern Nigeria have faced repeated disruptions due to insurgent violence, displacing families and limiting access to essential services.
Residents of Garaha and neighboring settlements remain apprehensive, with some families reportedly relocating temporarily to more secure towns. Community leaders have called for reinforced security deployment and improved surveillance in vulnerable districts to prevent further incursions.
As authorities assess the damage and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, the incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing parts of Adamawa State. Despite sustained counter-insurgency efforts over the years, armed groups retain the capacity to launch targeted assaults, leaving communities exposed to renewed cycles of violence.
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