Boko Haram insurgents have struck again in Adamawa State, killing at least 10 hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in Kopre village. The deadly assault, which occurred on April 26, 2025, around 4:00 p.m., left the village reeling from loss and destruction.
According to the Chairman of Hong Local Government Area, Usman Wa’anganda, the attackers arrived on motorcycles, quickly overpowering the local defenders with heavy firepower. Many houses were set ablaze, adding to the already deepening sense of fear among the residents.
Wa’anganda, in an exclusive interview with *The Guardian*, described the situation in Kopre, a border community near the Sambisa Forest—a known Boko Haram stronghold—as dire. “Kopre is one of the villages that shares a border with Sambisa, so Boko Haram frequently enters and attacks,” Wa’anganda explained. “We only have hunters there, and no soldiers or any security presence. Even when we call them, they don’t come.”
The attack on Kopre is part of a growing pattern of violence in the region, with 17 deaths reported in the last two weeks alone across nearby villages. Many locals, mostly farmers, have been forced to flee their homes to escape further attacks, further exacerbating the area’s food security concerns as the rainy season approaches.
Wa’anganda expressed deep concern about the future of agriculture in the area, saying that the continued displacement of farmers could severely affect food production in Adamawa. He also called on the government to do more, urging for the deployment of a battalion to help protect the village and other vulnerable communities.
“We need more security here. I advise the government to send a battalion so that our people can return to their homes and farms,” he pleaded.
The hunters and Civilian JTF members who were killed on Saturday had been deployed from Borno State and other parts of Adamawa to reinforce the security in Kopre. However, they were no match for the insurgents, who came heavily armed with superior weaponry. This attack follows a disturbing trend of Boko Haram operations in the area, which has seen at least 40 villagers abducted since 2024, with many still in captivity.
In response to the attack, the Adamawa State Police Command has sent additional officers to the region to reinforce security measures. Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Yahya Nguroje, confirmed that the officers would focus on improving surveillance, protecting lives and property, and recovering illegal arms in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Dankombo Morris, emphasized the importance of professionalism in the force’s response to the growing insecurity. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of residents and will respond swiftly to distress calls,” he said.
Despite these efforts, the security situation in Adamawa remains fragile, and residents continue to live under the constant threat of insurgent attacks. Many hope that stronger military support and enhanced protection measures will be implemented to end the cycle of violence and restore peace to their communities.
