Boko Haram launches deadly attack on army base in Borno, seizes weapons

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists have launched a brutal assault on a Nigerian Army base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in casualties among troops and the loss of military equipment.

The attack, which occurred around 3:00 a.m. on Monday, targeted the Forward Operating Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion.

According to security and local sources, the assailants overwhelmed the base in a coordinated strike, taking advantage of the early morning hours to catch the troops off guard.

Marte, a strategic town in northern Borno, has long been a flashpoint in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency due to its location and tactical importance.

A military source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that the attackers overpowered the soldiers, capturing some and forcing others to retreat.

“ISWAP took control of Marte. An unknown number of soldiers were killed, some were captured, and many fled. They ran toward Dikwa and are now at the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa.

“The terrorists also burned down armoured tanks and carted away arms and ammunition from the base,” the source said.

Dikwa, situated approximately 38 kilometers from Marte, received fleeing soldiers and became the staging point for military reinforcements.

A resident from Dikwa reported that aerial support from the Nigerian Air Force was observed in the area.

“We heard that reinforcements arrived in Marte, including hunters and members of the civilian Joint Task Force, and the base has now been retaken by the troops.

“However, the arms store was looted and set ablaze and operational vehicles were destroyed,” he added.

Many civilians from Marte have fled to Dikwa, though reports indicate that thousands remain trapped in New Marte, especially women and children.

“Unfortunately, the terrorists have trapped thousands of residents, mostly women and children, in New Marte.

“It wasn’t long ago that the Malam Fatori military base was attacked, where one of our commanders and 21 soldiers paid the supreme price,” a soldier said.

Since the start of the year, several military facilities have been targeted by terrorists across the Lake Chad region, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Hills spanning Borno and Yobe states.