Boko Haram Overruns Military Base in Borno, Kills and Captures Soldiers

Suspected Boko Haram terrorists carried out a deadly pre-dawn assault on a Nigerian Army base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, leading to the deaths and capture of several soldiers. The attack, which took place around 3:00 a.m. on Monday at the Forward Operation Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion, overwhelmed the stationed troops. According to local and security sources, the insurgents overran the base, killing an undisclosed number of soldiers, capturing others, and forcing some to flee toward Dikwa, where they are now reportedly regrouped at the 24 Task Force Brigade.

The assailants, believed to be affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), also torched military equipment, including armored tanks, and looted arms and ammunition from the site. Witnesses in nearby Dikwa reported hearing intense gunfire during the raid, with a Nigerian Air Force jet seen circling the area but unable to halt the attackers’ advance.

Marte, situated about 38 kilometers from Dikwa, is the latest target in a wave of coordinated offensives across the region. In recent weeks, Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters have attacked multiple military installations across Borno and Yobe States, including in Sabon Gari, Izge, Wulgo, and Buni Yadi. These repeated strikes have led to the withdrawal of military forces from some locations amid growing concerns over the insurgents’ escalating campaign.

Military authorities are currently assessing the scale of the damage and planning efforts to reclaim the area.