Gladness Gideon
At least 10 local hunters were killed in a fierce gun battle with Boko Haram terrorists during a rescue operation in Kopire village, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State, following a fresh wave of attacks linked to the insurgent group.
The tragic incident occurred last Sunday when the hunters, drawn from parts of Borno and Adamawa states, mobilised in response to intelligence that Boko Haram elements were regrouping for further assaults on vulnerable communities. Kopire borders Hawul LGA of Borno State—long considered a flashpoint in Nigeria’s ongoing battle with Boko Haram and its offshoot, ISWAP.
Chairman of the Hunters/Vigilantes Association of Nigeria, North East Chapter, Shawulu Yohanna, confirmed the fatalities in an interview on Tuesday, expressing grave concern over the insurgents’ resurgence. He said one hunter remains critically injured and is receiving treatment.
“I can confirm to you that 10 of my people lost their lives during an hours-long confrontation. They ran out of ammunition, and the terrorists overpowered them,” Yohanna lamented. “These brave men came from Hawul, Biu, and Garkida to protect our people. We have retrieved their remains and are mourning this devastating loss.”
Yohanna called for immediate federal intervention, particularly the provision of sophisticated weapons for local defense groups battling terrorist elements. “Governor Zulum is doing his best, but we’re overwhelmed. The terrorists are better armed and are regrouping fast, especially in Southern Borno and parts of Adamawa and Yobe.”
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He further alleged the suspicious use of a red helicopter to transport terrorists to undisclosed locations without resistance—raising fresh concerns about security lapses or possible complicity.
Reacting to the attack, Senator Ali Ndume, who represents the affected zone, sympathised with the bereaved families and praised the hunters’ bravery. “Their sacrifice must not go in vain. The federal government must urgently invest in Technology, Equipment, Arms, Ammunition, and Motivation (TEAAM) to support troops and civilian defenders.”
This development follows another deadly incident on Monday, where 14 mourners in Kopl village, Chibok LGA, Borno State, were gunned down by terrorists on motorcycles during funeral prayers—marking a troubling escalation in civilian-targeted violence.
As security challenges mount across Nigeria’s North East, local communities continue to pay the ultimate price, caught between relentless insurgency and the urgent need for reinforced national defense.