As of this update, large parts of Sheweri are reportedly engulfed in flames, with villagers fleeing under fire and several people feared dead as the rampage continues.
Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a bold and brutal offensive in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, overrunning the towns of Sheweri and Kirchinga in an attack that has forced residents to flee for their lives and left security forces struggling to contain the violence.
According to local reports, heavily armed insurgents stormed Sheweri in the early hours of the assault, setting buildings ablaze and driving panicked civilians into the bush.
As of this update, large parts of Sheweri are reportedly engulfed in flames, with villagers fleeing under fire and several people feared dead as the rampage continues.
In a swift and violent sweep, the attackers also struck Kirchinga market, where Nigerian military troops attempted to halt their advance.
Sources say the insurgents repelled the soldiers after fierce fighting at the bustling market, forcing the troops to retreat amid intense gunfire.
Eyewitnesses describe chaotic “scenes of smoke, gunshots, and devastation” as the insurgents tightened their grip on both communities.
The double assault marks a sharp escalation in Boko Haram activities in Adamawa, highlighting the increasing difficulty of military operations to contain the insurgency.
Kirchinga is notably the hometown of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
Just last week, SaharaReporters reported another deadly strike in the region, at Garahamojili military camp, where suspected ISWAP fighters stormed the base, killed at least two soldiers, set parts of the camp ablaze, destroyed military vehicles, and seized weapons and ammunition before withdrawing into the bush.
At the time of filing this report, military sources were unavailable for comment on the latest attack.
Security analysts warn that this spate of assaults, targeting towns, villages, and markets, underscores a dangerous surge in insurgent operations across Adamawa.
