Adamawa is one of the three states in northeastern Nigeria most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency (along with Borno and Yobe). While Borno is usually the epicenter of the violence, Adamawa—particularly areas bordering Cameroon and the Sambisa Forest—frequent attacks.

These “fresh attacks” often involve raids on remote villages. Militants typically loot food supplies, burn homes, and engage in indiscriminate shootings targeting civilians. These are often “hit-and-run” tactics intended to create fear rather than hold territory.

Despite the Nigerian military’s gains in reclaiming major urban centers, insurgents continue to operate in rural areas. Villagers, especially farmers, are often targeted as they go about their daily lives or attempt to harvest crops.

Incidents like the killing of eight villagers underscore the challenges of securing rural communities. Even when the military conducts successful operations, the difficult terrain allows militants to regroup and launch sporadic attacks on soft targets.