Soldiers killed as Boko Haram overrun military base in Borno

A yet to be identified number of soldiers have been reportedly killed after suspected members of Boko Haram terrorist organization, launched a ruthless attack on a Nigerian Army base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State

Security and local sources revealed that the raid took place around 3am on Monday, targeting the Forward Operating Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion.

Marte, located in northern Borno, has long been a strategic and contested location in the ongoing insurgency.

A military source who doesn’t want to be quoted confirmed that the criminal elements overpowered the troops, capturing some soldiers and forcing others to flee.

“ISWAP took control of Marte. An unknown number of soldiers were killed, some were captured, and many fled. They ran toward Dikwa and are now at the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa.

“The terrorists also burned down armoured tanks and carted away arms and ammunition from the base,” the source said.

Dikwa, located approximately 38 kilometers from Marte, received fleeing soldiers and became the staging point for military reinforcements.

A resident from Dikwa reported that aerial support from the Nigerian Air Force was observed in the area.

“We heard that reinforcements arrived in Marte, including hunters and members of the civilian Joint Task Force, and the base has now been retaken by the troops.

“However, the arms store was looted and set ablaze and operational vehicles were destroyed,” he added.

DDM understand that many civilians from Marte have fled to Dikwa, though reports indicate that thousands remain trapped in New Marte, especially women and children.

“Unfortunately, the terrorists have trapped thousands of residents, mostly women and children, in New Marte.

“It wasn’t long ago that the Malam Fatori military base was attacked, where one of our commanders and 21 soldiers paid the supreme price,” a soldier said.

Since the start of the year, several military facilities have been targeted by terrorists across the Lake Chad region, Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Hills spanning Borno and Yobe states.

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