Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched twin attacks on communities in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State over the Christmas period, killing at least two soldiers and several civilians, injuring dozens, and destroying properties worth millions of naira.
The first attack occurred on Christmas Eve, December 24, targeting Dugwaba District, a known vulnerable area near the border with Borno State.
Insurgents invaded the community around midnight, engaging security forces in intense gunfire. Troops from the 144 Battalion, police anti-terror units, and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) responded to distress calls, successfully repelling the attackers.
However, two soldiers lost their lives in the clash, with their bodies later transferred to Yola and buried according to Islamic rites. Eyewitnesses described the situation as “gravely deplorable,” with unconfirmed reports of civilian casualties amid the chaos.
Just two days later, on the night of December 26, Boko Haram militants struck Mayo Ledde village, located after Gaya Gartsano town in the same Hong LGA.
The insurgents operated unchecked for over five hours, burning houses, maiming residents, and looting properties. At least three corpses were recovered, with many people still missing and dozens injured.
Local vigilantes attempted to confront the attackers but were overwhelmed due to the absence of nearby security forces.
The prolonged duration of the Mayo Ledde assault highlights the insurgents’ ability to operate freely in this axis, exploiting vast ungoverned spaces and porous borders with Borno State’s Sambisa Forest; a longstanding hideout for Boko Haram and its splinter group, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Hong LGA, in northern Adamawa, has historically been one of the most affected areas by jihadist activities, with repeated incursions from Sambisa enabling militants to launch raids, hoist flags of conquest in some villages, and retreat without significant resistance.
Residents report living in constant fear, with many fleeing their homes following the attacks. “The insurgents come and go as they please because there is no permanent security presence here,” one anonymous villager said.
The proximity to Sambisa Forest allows Boko Haram and ISWAP remnants to regroup and strike border communities in Adamawa, including frequent targets like Garaha, Mayo Ledde, and nearby villages such as Dabna and Bangah, which have seen similar violence throughout 2025.
As of now, there has been no official statement from the Adamawa State Government or the Nigerian Army regarding the incidents. The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the Christmas attacks, stating that the situation is under control and assessments are ongoing.
These attacks underscore the persistent threat from Boko Haram factions in the North-East, despite military operations aimed at degrading the groups.
Boko Haram elements continue cross-border raids into Adamawa, exploiting limited troop deployment and challenging terrain to maintain operational freedom in the region.
