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Six members of a family were abducted early Tuesday in Gare Village, Pallam District, Madagali Local Government Area, during an attack by suspected terrorists, the Adamawa State Police Command confirmed. The assailants also rustled livestock during the raid, according to a statement issued by the state police.
A joint security operation involving the Nigerian Police Force, 144 Battalion troops, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was immediately launched following reports of the incident. SP Suleiman Nguroje, police spokesperson for the state, said the rescue teams are actively searching the affected communities to secure the safe return of the kidnapped family members.
“The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the attack and mobilized additional personnel and operational assets to the area,” Nguroje stated. “The Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies, remains fully committed to protecting lives and properties across the State.”
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Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, directed sustained search-and-rescue operations, reinforced patrols, and increased security presence in Madagali and border communities. These measures aim not only to recover the abducted family members but also to prevent further threats in the area.
Nguroje added that the operation is ongoing and that further updates will be communicated to the public as the situation develops. “All operational units remain on high alert, and residents are urged to report any suspicious activity immediately,” he said.
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The abduction comes as Governor Ahmadu Fintiri continues his statewide tour of Adamawa’s 21 local government areas to assess security and development challenges. Speaking earlier this month, the governor emphasised the need for proactive security measures in border communities prone to attacks.
Madagali has previously been a target of terrorist activity, part of the broader security challenges in northeastern Nigeria. In a recent attack in Hong Local Government, 12 people were killed, and several homes were destroyed. Additionally, a communal conflict earlier this year in Lamurde Local Government between Bachaman and Chobo communities claimed more than 20 lives.
Security experts note that repeated abductions and attacks highlight persistent vulnerabilities in Adamawa’s border regions. Residents have been urged to maintain vigilance, and security agencies continue coordinated efforts to safeguard lives and properties.
Local community leaders have condemned the attack, calling for swift action from security agencies. “We are deeply concerned about the repeated incidents in Madagali. Families live in constant fear, and urgent measures are needed to restore normalcy,” a community spokesperson said.
Governor Fintiri’s administration has committed to working with the police, military, and Civilian Joint Task Force to strengthen security networks and rapid response mechanisms across the state. “The safety of our people is a top priority. We will continue to ensure that security operations are robust and effective in every local government area,” his office said in a statement.
