“Bloodshed on April 26: Boko Haram and armed bandits wreak havoc, leaving 33 dead across northern Nigeria.”
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, a deadly wave of violence swept through northern Nigeria, as both Boko Haram militants and armed bandits carried out brutal attacks, leaving 33 people dead. The victims, including farmers, vigilantes, security personnel, and civilians, were killed across Borno and Adamawa States, as well as Zamfara State, marking one of the bloodiest days in recent memory.
1. Pulka, Borno State – 14 Farmers Killed
In Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA), Borno State, a group of farmers was ambushed while preparing their land for planting season. Around 11:40 AM, Boko Haram militants launched the attack, slaughtering 14 farmers who were caught off guard beneath the Mandara Mountains.
Initially, 10 bodies were recovered, but by the following day, 4 more bodies were discovered, bringing the total to 14.
The victims were preparing the land when the insurgents attacked with heavy weaponry, a typical tactic of Boko Haram militants in the region. Authorities have launched search operations, but fears remain that the toll could rise as more victims may be uncovered.
2. Kwapre, Adamawa State – 10 Vigilantes Killed
In Kwapre village, Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, an attack on a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) patrol team left 10 vigilantes dead. The ambush took place at 5:30 AM, along the Pulka-Kirawa Road, as the CJTF members and local hunters were carrying out routine security patrols.
Boko Haram militants ambushed the patrol, overpowering the defenders and slaughtering 10 of them. Survivors who were injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Hong.
This attack is part of a growing wave of violence that has left local communities vulnerable and increasingly exposed to such raids, especially with ISWAP and Boko Haram intensifying their activities.
3. Pulka, Borno State – 6 Villagers Killed During Firewood Collection
Later in the day, around 4:30 PM, another ISWAP ambush occurred in Pulka, Borno State, targeting civilians who had gone to collect firewood. The armed assailants ambushed the group of villagers in the Bokko-Ghide/Ngoshe bush, killing 6 villagers.
The victims were identified as Ibrahim Kursu (45), Malam Ahmadu (50), Abba Zake (35), Hawwala Zake (40), Bukar Umaru (38), and Ishaku Naga (50). Three others managed to escape and safely returned home.
The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Gwoza, where they were confirmed dead.
READ ALSO: Amnesty International Slams Authorities as Boko Haram Kills 10 Vigilantes in Adamawa
4. Bagaga-Anka Road, Zamfara State – 1 Killed, 5 Abducted by Armed Bandits
In Zamfara State, armed bandits carried out an ambush on the Bagaga-Anka road. At around 11:40 AM, a Golf vehicle was attacked, resulting in the death of the driver and the abduction of five passengers.
The assailants shot the driver dead on the spot, while the five passengers were taken captive.
Security forces quickly responded and are currently engaged in efforts to rescue the victims, but their whereabouts remain unknown.
5. Gwoza, Borno State – 2 CJTF Members Killed in ISWAP Ambush
Also on April 26, in Gwoza, Borno State, 2 Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) members were killed in an ISWAP ambush. The attack took place along the Pulka-Kirawa Road at 5:30 AM.
The assailants attacked the patrol team, injuring two members, Abba Aja (25) and Shetima Abbaye (35), both of whom later died from their injuries after being rushed to the General Hospital Gwoza.
Their deaths add to the mounting toll on local defense groups trying to safeguard their communities from insurgent attacks.
Total Death Toll: 33
These coordinated attacks across Borno, Adamawa, and Zamfara States on April 26, 2025, resulted in a devastating death toll of 33 people. The victims included 14 farmers, 10 vigilantes, 6 villagers, and 3 others, with several still unaccounted for.
Each attack followed a pattern: Boko Haram and ISWAP militants ambushed defenseless civilians, targeting vulnerable groups such as farmers, local defenders, and transporters. The assailants used heavy weaponry, and in the case of the armed bandits, they conducted a targeted attack on a civilian vehicle.
This marked a tragic day in northern Nigeria, highlighting the growing threat posed by both Boko Haram and ISWAP, as well as the alarming rise in armed banditry.
Government Response and Growing Alarm
Local leaders and security agencies are under increasing pressure to respond to the mounting violence. Despite ongoing operations like Operation Hadin Kai, Boko Haram and ISWAP remain a deadly force in the region, showing no signs of backing down.
The loss of life on April 26 is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by civilians and local defense groups, and the urgent need for greater protection and security measures across the affected regions. The families of the victims, along with local leaders, continue to call for stronger interventions from both the Nigerian government and international partners.