Panic in Borno as ISWAP Terrorists Invade Military Base, Kill Soldiers, and Force Thousands to Flee Marte Community

 

In a terrifying development that has left residents in deep fear and sorrow, thousands of people in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State have been forced to abandon their homes after heavily armed terrorists believed to be members of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) launched a violent attack on a military base in the area.

The invasion, which took place on Monday, May 12, has left the entire community in chaos, with reports indicating that four Nigerian soldiers were allegedly killed during the confrontation. In addition, numerous residents from the community have reportedly been captured by the insurgents.

According to eyewitness reports, the attack occurred in New Marte, a town situated in the Marte Local Government Area located along the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin. The terrorists, who were said to have come in large numbers, stormed the area and engaged in a fierce and prolonged gun battle with Nigerian troops stationed at the military base.

Unfortunately, despite the resistance put up by the soldiers, the terrorists were able to overpower them, seize control of the base, and reportedly cart away a large cache of arms and ammunition. The fall of the military base to the insurgents sent shockwaves through the town, causing panic among the residents.

A source who witnessed the horrifying incident recounted the ordeal, explaining that the entire community is now at the mercy of the terrorists:

“We slept in the bush and many residents are trapped as we speak. They have taken over the military base after carting away their arms and ammunition,'' the source told Leadership.

The situation has become so dire that thousands of residents from New Marte and surrounding villages have taken flight, fleeing towards Dikwa, a neighboring local government area located approximately 27 kilometers away. Many of those escaping reportedly did so on foot, moving through dangerous bush paths in order to avoid encountering more terrorists.

Another eyewitness described the level of danger currently facing the community, confirming that ISWAP militants have fully taken control of the town and reinstated their hold over New Marte. The source said:

“The terrorists have re-captured New Marte and we are seriously in trouble.”

This recent attack is just one of many that have occurred in the region over the past several years, as Borno State continues to face unrelenting threats from both ISWAP and Boko Haram insurgents. Marte, in particular, has been a target of repeated attacks due to its strategic location close to Lake Chad and its history of past military confrontations.

The current occupation of New Marte by ISWAP forces once again highlights the severe security challenges in northeastern Nigeria. It also raises concerns about the safety of civilians still trapped in the area and the growing strength of insurgents who continue to threaten both military installations and local communities.

As at the time of this report, neither the Nigerian Army nor the Borno State Government has issued an official statement regarding the incident or what steps will be taken to reclaim the area from the terrorists.

Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies and local authorities in Dikwa are reportedly overwhelmed by the sudden influx of displaced persons who are fleeing for their lives. Many of the displaced families are in urgent need of shelter, food, and medical attention, after spending nights hiding in the bush without access to basic necessities.

NaijaRush will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.