Violence erupted in northeast Nigeria as gunmen attacked two villages in Adamawa State, leaving at least 25 people dead and houses torched. The attacks occurred on Tuesday evening in Kirchinga and Garaha villages, near the Sambisa Forest, a known militant stronghold.

According to eyewitnesses and Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the attackers, disguised in military uniforms, initially posed as soldiers on patrol, deceiving residents. In Kirchinga, 18 bodies were recovered, while in Garaha, seven people were killed, including three soldiers, when gunmen on over 50 motorcycles attacked a nearby military base.

The attacks underscore the ongoing insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast, a region plagued by a 17-year Islamist insurgency. Governor Fintiri condemned the attacks as “cowardly acts of terrorism” and vowed to restore peace and stability.