Boko Haram Launches Deadly Attack on Military Base in Borno, Kills Soldiers and Seizes Weapons

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents have launched a deadly assault on a Nigerian Army base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the deaths of an unspecified number of soldiers.

According to a report by Channels TV, the attack occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Monday at the Forward Operating Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion. Local and security sources revealed that the troops were overwhelmed during the raid, with several soldiers either killed, captured, or forced to flee.

An anonymous source reported that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a Boko Haram faction, has taken control of Marte. “Some soldiers were killed, others captured, and many fled toward Dikwa. They are now sheltering at the 24 Task Force Brigade base in Dikwa,” the source said.

The insurgents reportedly set fire to military equipment, including armoured tanks, and looted the base of its weapons and ammunition.

Marte is situated about 38 kilometers from Dikwa, the headquarters of the Dikwa Local Government Area in Borno State. Residents of Dikwa confirmed hearing gunfire and sighting a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet in the skies.

In a related development, two education workers lost their lives in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State after an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents detonated. The tragic event occurred Monday along the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu highway, just hours after an emergency security stakeholders’ meeting was held in Maiduguri.

The victims, identified as Blessing Luka and Bitaleaf Gedion, were classroom teachers traveling to Maiduguri to sit for the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) examination scheduled for May 16, 2025.

District Head of Damboa, Alhaji Zanna Lawan Maina, confirmed the incident and called on residents to continue praying for lasting peace in the region.

Reacting to the surge in attacks, Senator Ali Ndume, who represents the district, expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation. “The military must be trained, equipped, armed, and motivated to overcome these renewed terrorist offensives,” he said, urging the Federal Government to act swiftly and decisively.