Militants Overrun Nigerian Army Base in Marte, Borno; Soldiers Killed and Missing Amid Rising Insurgency
Borno State, Nigeria, May 13, 2025 – Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants launched a coordinated and devastating attack on the Nigerian Army’s 153 Task Force Battalion base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of Sunday, May 12. The militants overpowered the troops, killing several soldiers, capturing some, and looting weapons and ammunition before temporarily taking control of the base.
Details of the Attack and Aftermath
The assault began around 3:00 a.m., catching the military off guard. Sources reveal that an unknown number of soldiers were killed, while others fled toward Dikwa, regrouping at the 24 Task Force Brigade there. Some soldiers were reportedly captured or are still missing. The militants burned armored tanks, destroyed operational vehicles, and seized significant arms, including three gun trucks and about 70 motorcycles intended for counter-insurgency operations.
Local residents in Dikwa reported hearing intense gunfire and seeing Nigerian Air Force fighter jets hovering over the area as reinforcements-including hunters and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF)-were deployed to retake the base. The Nigerian troops eventually regained control of the base, but the militants’ looting and destruction dealt a severe blow to military capacity.
The attack has caused mass displacement, with hundreds fleeing Marte for safety in Dikwa. Thousands, mainly women and children, remain trapped in parts of Marte, particularly New Marte.
Historical Context and Strategic Importance
Marte, located about 38 kilometers from Dikwa near Lake Chad, has long been a focal point of conflict between Nigerian forces and insurgents. Since the declaration of emergency rule in 2013, the area has witnessed repeated battles, with control shifting multiple times between Boko Haram, ISWAP, and government forces.
Previous major attacks in Marte include the 2021 ISWAP overrunning of a military base that left seven soldiers dead and the 2014 insurgent attacks that battered villages and military posts. The recent takeover marks another significant setback in the ongoing fight against insurgency in northeastern Nigeria.
Rising Insurgency and New Tactics
The attack on Marte is part of a broader surge in jihadist activities in Nigeria’s northeast, with ISWAP and Boko Haram intensifying assaults on military installations and civilian areas. Security experts note these groups have adopted new tactics, including the use of armed drones and explosive devices along major roads, signaling increased sophistication and external support.
Recent attacks have killed dozens of soldiers and civilians, with militants seizing weapons and vehicles, further emboldening their operations. Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has warned that insurgents are gaining ground amid perceived military weaknesses.
Military and Government Response
The Nigerian Army has launched counteroffensives to reclaim lost territories and strengthen defenses. However, official casualty figures from the Marte attack remain undisclosed, and the military continues to face challenges containing the insurgency.
Civil society and security analysts are calling for enhanced intelligence, better equipment, and regional cooperation to stem the tide of violence.
