At least 25 people have been killed in separate jihadist attacks in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria.
The attacks occurred late Tuesday in villages near the Sambisa Forest, a known militant stronghold.
The affected communities are Kirchinga in Madagali Local Government Area and Garaha in neighbouring Hong LGA.
Residents said the attackers arrived on motorcycles and opened fire indiscriminately.
Read Also: Adamawa State Governor Defects to APC
Homes were burned, forcing many villagers to flee into nearby bushes.
Village head Abubakar Lawan Kanuri said attackers initially wore what looked like military uniforms.
He confirmed that at least 18 bodies were recovered in Kirchinga, with others still missing.
In Garaha, survivor Musa Isa said gunmen stormed the town from multiple directions.
He added that the attackers also assaulted a nearby military base.
Residents reported that three soldiers were killed during the assault.
Police spokesman Suleiman Yahaya-Nguroje said security forces are still counting casualties.
He warned that the death toll could rise as search operations continue.
Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri condemned the attacks as cowardly acts of terrorism.
He vowed that security agencies would intensify operations against the perpetrators.
The region has faced prolonged insurgency linked to Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
Despite repeated military campaigns, communities in the northeast continue to face deadly attacks.
