Thousands of residents have fled their homes in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State following a deadly invasion by Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists who overran a military base and killed four soldiers on Monday.
According to sources, the insurgents stormed New Marte in large numbers and engaged troops in a fierce gun battle before eventually dislodging them. The town, located on the fringes of the Lake Chad Basin, is now reportedly under ISWAP control.
“They came with heavy firepower, and after hours of fighting, they overpowered the troops,” one source told First News. “They have taken over the base and looted weapons and ammunition.”
Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic exodus of residents, with thousands fleeing to neighbouring Dikwa, about 27 kilometres away. Many, however, remain trapped in the area or have sought refuge in surrounding bushes.
“We slept in the bush last night,” a local resident said. “Many people are still hiding, and we don’t know what will happen next.”
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Another local source described the situation as dire: “They have recaptured New Marte, and we are in serious trouble. There’s no military presence here now.”
The resurgence of terrorist attacks in the region has heightened tensions across Borno State. Despite ongoing counterinsurgency efforts under Operation Hadin Kai, the security situation in many rural areas remains volatile.
Security analysts warn that the latest attack signals ISWAP’s continued capacity to launch coordinated assaults in the Lake Chad axis, posing renewed threats to stability in northeastern Nigeria.
As of the time of filing this report, the military is yet to issue an official statement on the attack.