Abuja, Nigeria – February 27, 2026 – Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed profound grief over the recent terrorist attacks in Adamawa State that claimed the lives of over 20 people, calling on federal and state authorities to redouble efforts in protecting citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Friday, Atiku, a native of Adamawa State, described the incidents as tragic and indicative of the deepening insecurity crisis in Nigeria's North-East region. The attacks targeted communities in Madagali and Hong Local Government Areas, where suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants carried out coordinated raids late Tuesday and Wednesday.
“I am deeply moved by the tragic attacks in Adamawa State, where gunmen killed over 20 people in a market in Madagali and Hong local government areas,” Atiku wrote. He noted that the violence not only underscores the worsening national security situation but also exacerbates the long-standing challenges faced by residents in the North-East.
The former vice president highlighted the attacks' broader implications, stating: “The attack not only highlights the worsening insecurity in the country but also deepens the North-East crisis.” He urged relevant authorities to intensify operations, ensure swift apprehension and prosecution of those responsible, and bolster security measures to prevent recurrence.
Reports from residents and local officials indicate that the assailants, arriving on motorcycles and dressed in military-style uniforms, launched assaults on Kirchinga in Madagali district and Garaha in neighboring Hong. In Kirchinga, gunmen opened fire indiscriminately, killing at least 18 people, looting markets, and torching homes. In Garaha, the attack resulted in additional fatalities, including civilians and possibly security personnel, with several structures set ablaze.
Eyewitness accounts suggest the militants exploited the remote locations near the Sambisa Forest—a known operational base for Boko Haram and ISWAP factions—to carry out the raids. The attacks involved indiscriminate shooting, arson, and theft of food items, motorcycles, and other valuables. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the incidents as "cowardly and barbaric," particularly noting the assault on his hometown of Kirchinga, and assured a robust government response.
The violence comes amid a resurgence of jihadist activities in the North-East, despite ongoing military operations under frameworks like Operation Enduring Peace. Recent weeks have seen multiple incidents, including ambushes on troops, drone-assisted attacks, and civilian-targeted raids, contributing to displacement and heightened fear among border communities.
Atiku's reaction aligns with widespread calls from political figures, community leaders, and civil society for enhanced intelligence sharing, increased troop deployments, and community-based security initiatives to counter the persistent threat. As a prominent son of Adamawa and former presidential candidate, his intervention underscores the urgency of addressing regional instability, especially given the state's strategic position along the Cameroon border.
The Nigerian military and security agencies have yet to issue a detailed official statement on the latest attacks, though operations continue in affected areas. Residents in Madagali and Hong have expressed frustration over recurring violence, demanding more proactive measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
This latest tragedy adds to the toll of insurgency in the North-East, where thousands have been killed and millions displaced since Boko Haram's insurgency began in 2009. Atiku's call for justice and strengthened security reflects a broader demand for sustained action to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
