Suspected terrorists have attacked Madagali, the hometown of Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, abducting six family members in the early hours of Tuesday.

The incident occurred in Gare Village, Pallam District, Madagali Local Government Area, according to a statement issued on Tuesday morning by the Adamawa State Police Command.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said a joint rescue operation involving the police, the military, and local security groups had been launched to secure the release of the victims.

“The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed an attack on Gare Village, Pallam District, Madagali Local Government Area, in the early hours of today by suspected terrorists, which led to the abduction of six family members and the rustling of livestock,” the statement read.

Nguroje said that upon receiving the report, the command immediately intensified security collaboration and deployed additional personnel and operational assets to the area.

“Additional personnel and operational assets were deployed in a joint operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, troops of the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, and the Civilian Joint Task Force to the affected area and surrounding communities,” he said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Dankombo Morris, has ordered sustained search-and-rescue operations, reinforced patrols, and increased security presence across Madagali and other border communities to prevent further attacks.

“The Command, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies, remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the state,” Nguroje added, assuring that further updates would be provided as operations continue.

The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Adamawa State. Governor Fintiri on Tuesday commenced a tour of the state’s 21 local government areas to assess security challenges and other pressing issues affecting residents.

Madagali and other parts of northern Adamawa have witnessed repeated attacks in recent times. Hong Local Government Area was recently hit by violence that claimed at least 12 lives, while a communal clash between the Bachaman and Chobo communities in Lamurde Local Government Area earlier this year reportedly left over 20 people dead.

Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to restore peace and prevent further loss of lives across the state.