Boko Haram Insurgents Overrun Borno Army Base, Kill and Capture Soldiers
In a brazen pre-dawn assault, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked a Nigerian Army Forward Operation Base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, leading to the death and capture of several soldiers, according to local and security sources.
The attack occurred at around 3 a.m. on Monday, targeting the 153 Task Force Battalion stationed in Marte. Sources reported that the troops were overwhelmed by the insurgents, leading to casualties and the capture of an undisclosed number of soldiers.
An anonymous security source revealed, “ISWAP has taken over Marte. An unspecified number of soldiers were killed, some captured, and many others fled towards Dikwa. They are currently at the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa.”
The terrorists reportedly burned armored tanks and seized weapons and ammunition during the raid. The assault forced several troops to abandon the base and retreat to nearby military formations.
Marte is situated approximately 38 kilometers from Dikwa, the headquarters of the Dikwa Local Government Area.
Witnesses in Dikwa recounted hearing intense gunfire and seeing a Nigerian Air Force jet hovering overhead during the assault. However, the air intervention was reportedly unable to repel the attackers effectively.
This incident is part of a recent surge in terrorist attacks on military bases across Nigeria’s northeastern region. In the past month, bases in Sabon Gari, Izge, Wulgo, Buni Yadi, and other parts of Borno and Yobe States have also suffered similar fates, with forces being dislodged and outgunned.