Suspected members of Boko Haram terrorists on Saturday launched deadly attacks on Kwapre village in Hong Local Government Council of Adamawa State, killing 10 vigilantes.

Several members of vigilantes also sustained various degrees of injuries from gunshots.

An eye witness in Kwapre village, Hon. Hyella Anthony, a Kwapre indigene and former Councillor of Garaha Ward described the attack as “horror”, even as vigilantes were taken by surprise, confirming that 10 members of the vigilante group were killed on the spot, “2hile several wounded one have been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre for treatment.”

The attack, which occurred around dusk, marks yet another brutal episode in a wave of violence that has plagued the region. Hon. Anthony, visibly shaken, verified the incident, stating, “It was a horrific scene.

According to him, the gunmen came in large numbers heavily armed, but were engaged by vigilantes who were trying to protect the village. “We lost 10 brave men, and others are fighting for their lives at FMC Hong.”

The District Head of Dugwaba, Mr. Simon Yakubu, expressed deep anguish over the recurring attacks, noting that this was the fifth assault on villages in the area within the past two weeks.

Where then do we run to, especially now that the rainy season has approached?

Lamenting the frequency and ferocity of the raids, he highlighted the sophistication of the attackers’ weaponry and their sheer numbers, which have left local defenses woefully outmatched. “Where then do we run to, especially now that the rainy season has approached?” Mr. Yakubu pleaded, his voice heavy with desperation. “The government must intervene. We cannot continue like this.”

The District Head painted a grim picture of the broader impact, revealing that more than 15 villages, home to over 6,000 people, have been deserted as residents flee the relentless violence. “These evil forces are driving us from our homes,” he cried. “Our villages are turning into ghost towns, and our people are scattered, living in fear.”

Our villages are turning into ghost towns, and our people are scattered, living in fear

The attack on Kwapre Village underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and its affiliates in northeastern Nigeria, despite years of military efforts to curb their insurgency. Local leaders and residents are now urgently calling for increased security presence and resources to protect vulnerable communities, particularly as the rainy season complicates displacement and access to aid.

As of this morning, Sunday, April 27, 2025, authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident, and the exact condition of the injured vigilantes remains unclear. The people of Kwapre and surrounding villages wait anxiously for a response, hoping for protection against a menace that shows no signs of relenting.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda reaffirmed the Nigerian government’s commitment to enhancing military cooperation with the State of Israel during a recent courtesy visit from Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Ship House, Abuja.

During their meeting, the two officials discussed strategies for bolstering defence cooperation, strengthening mutual security frameworks, and exploring opportunities for enhanced military training and capacity building within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Ambassador Aduda highlighted the critical need to deepen defence ties in the light of evolving global security challenges. He emphasized the importance of strategic areas such as joint operations, knowledge exchange, and the modernization of defence cooperation. The discussions also included plans to finalize a new bilateral defence agreement aimed at fostering technical collaboration in defence industry development.

“The Ministry will engage in strategic initiatives to replicate successful Israeli military cooperation frameworks in Nigeria, thereby enhancing our national defence architecture,” Ambassador Aduda stated.

In response, Ambassador Michael Freeman expressed gratitude for the audience and underscored the significance of this partnership as a progressive step toward achieving innovative defence solutions. He extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Aduda and his team to visit Israel, with the goal of further strengthening the ties between the two nations.