Northern senators seek reinforcement in Kopre-Sambisa corridor

ABUJA — Senators from the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), have called on the Federal Government and Defence Headquarters to urgently reinforce security presence in the Kopre-Sambisa corridor following reported insurgent attacks in Adamawa State.

The senators also urged the authorities to adopt a unified and proactive strategy to tackle what they described as criminal enclaves in the area.

The call followed attacks which the NSF said occurred between the night of September 30 and October 1, 2026, targeting communities and military outposts in Hong and Gombi Local Government Areas of Adamawa State.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, APC, Katsina Central, the senators expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks.

They specifically mentioned three soldiers of the 232 Battalion in Garaha, a forest guard and civilians among those reportedly killed.

The senators also expressed concern over reports of abductions, destruction of property, burning of places of worship and the displacement of hundreds of residents from communities including Garaha, Dabna, Bangna, Mubang, Zah, Bitirhuya, Kwapre, Mayo Ladde, Gaya-Dlang, Garkida, Boima and Guyaku.

The forum said the reported attacks on the 226 Battalion in Garkida and 232 Battalion in Garaha constituted a serious security concern for Adamawa State and the wider northern region.

The statement said: “The Northern Senators Forum stands in solidarity with the people of Adamawa State. By our collective efforts, you will not be abandoned to terrorists.”

The senators called on the Federal Government and Defence Headquarters to urgently reinforce security presence in the Kopre-Sambisa corridor and adopt a coordinated strategy to address the security situation.

They also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North-East Development Commission (NEDC) and other humanitarian agencies to urgently provide relief materials, medical assistance and trauma support to people displaced by the attacks.

The NSF further called on residents of Hong, Gombi and other parts of the country to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with actionable information.

The senators expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and prayed for the restoration of peace in Hong, Gombi, Adamawa State and the wider northern region.