Boko Haram insurgents, dressed in military fatigues, arrived in a convoy of Hilux trucks (estimated at nine vehicles) and attacked the remote community in the afternoon, operating for over two hours. The militants came armed with sophisticated weapons and explosives, setting fire to residential houses, places of worship, schools, and the local market. They also abducted a significant number of residents, including women and children, and stole food supplies and other valuables. The military was initially diverted to another town (Garkida) due to faulty intelligence and arrived late to the scene.
9 Apr 2021 · Kwapre, Hong, Adamawa
Deaths
7
Injured
20
Total casualties
27
Perpetrators
Boko Haram
Response
The attack was condemned by the Hong Local Government Chairman, the Federal House of Representatives member for the Gombi/Hong constituency, and the Adamawa State Governor, who vowed to ensure the safety of the people
Displacement
Approximately 5,000 people were displaced by the attack. The displacement affected not only Kwapre but also many neighboring communities
Socioeconomic drivers
The community's location near the Sambisa Forest, a long-standing insurgent hideout, made it a recurring target for raids and resource looting
Trajectory
This attack in April 2021 followed a similar pattern of Boko Haram raids on remote communities in Adamawa and Borno states during this period. It came just days after other deadly attacks in Borno State, indicating a coordinated escalation of violence.
Cycle notes
Mirrored earlier attacks including 24 August 2019 – Gajiram raid involving looting, arson, and abduction of civilians, 14 December 2019 – Fuhe attack combining cattle rustling, village destruction, and mass killings, 27 December 2020 – Hawul multi-village raids with widespread burning and displacement, 06 January 2021 – Geidam infiltration attack targeting leadership and civilian spaces, and 21 March 2021 – Goniri assault involving prolonged occupation and destruction of property, collectively reflecting a recurring pattern in which Boko Haram conducts large-scale raids on remote communities—often using deception such as military disguises and exploiting intelligence gaps.
Pattern
Village Raid
Related — Armed Attack
An estimated 100-200 suspected Boko Haram insurgents, riding on motorcycles with at least three fighters on each bike, attacked the military base in Allawa. They stormed the camp, sacked the soldiers on duty, and looted the village, carting away cash, foodstuffs, and other valuables. The attack was reportedly a reprisal for a military operation that had neutralised about 50 of their fighters in the area the previous week. The military camp was later deserted by personnel, prompting many residents of Allawa and surrounding communities like Pandogari, Kukoki, and Bassa to flee the area for safety
Boko Haram fighters arrived on foot late Friday evening, having left their vehicles at a distance to avoid detection. They stormed the village, slit the throats of four male residents, abducted two others, and looted food supplies before withdrawing after about an hour.
A gun battle near a mosque in Kano city and two other shootings left at least eight people dead. The deadliest incident occurred when gunmen opened fire around a mosque during Ramadan prayers, where a police team had been deployed to protect worshippers. Police exchanged fire with the attackers; one assailant was killed when his own explosive device detonated, while three other gunmen were shot dead. Among the victims were two Nigerian Air Force personnel. Civilians also fled in panic during the clashes.