Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a major offensive in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, overrunning the towns of Sheweri and Kirchinga in a coordinated attack that has forced mass displacement and left security forces struggling to respond.
Local reports indicate that heavily armed insurgents stormed Sheweri in the early hours, setting multiple buildings ablaze and driving terrified residents into surrounding bushes and neighbouring communities.
As of the latest updates, large sections of Sheweri remain engulfed in flames, with villagers fleeing under gunfire. Several casualties are feared, though exact figures are yet to be confirmed.
The attackers also struck Kirchinga market, where Nigerian military troops attempted to engage them. Witnesses described intense fighting at the market before the soldiers were reportedly forced to withdraw amid sustained gunfire.
The double assault marks a significant escalation in Boko Haram activity in Adamawa, exposing vulnerabilities in military containment efforts across the region.
Notably, Kirchinga is the hometown of Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
The attack follows a recent ISWAP raid on the Garahamojili military camp in Adamawa, where fighters killed at least two soldiers, burned parts of the base, destroyed vehicles, and seized weapons before withdrawing.
Military sources were not immediately available for comment on the latest incident.
Security analysts warn that this surge in attacks—targeting towns, villages, markets, and military outposts—underscores the growing boldness and operational capacity of insurgent groups in Adamawa and surrounding states.
Residents report chaotic scenes of smoke, continuous gunfire, and widespread devastation, with many families fleeing on foot into uncertain safety amid the ongoing violence.
