At least seven Nigerian soldiers lost their lives on Monday following a coordinated assault on a military base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. The attackers are believed to be part of an armed group that broke away from Boko Haram and has been active in the region.
Though the Nigerian military has not yet issued an official statement, local sources—including members of the Civilian Joint Task Force—confirmed the incident. The details were first reported by YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, a regional media outlet closely following developments in northeastern Nigeria.
According to these accounts, the assailants launched a surprise offensive, overpowering troops stationed at the base. In the aftermath of the attack, the group reportedly made away with three gun trucks and approximately 70 motorcycles that were designated for counter-insurgency operations.
Eyewitnesses said the base was set on fire after the raid, resulting in further destruction of military infrastructure. Footage circulated on social media shows the bodies of the fallen soldiers covered with leaves, as fellow personnel attempted to identify them amidst the ruins.
The group responsible for the attack has increased its activities in recent months, frequently targeting military facilities and convoys. Their strategy often involves stealing weapons, vehicles, and supplies to strengthen their operational capacity and mobility in the region.
Security analysts warn that the motorcycles and vehicles captured during Monday’s assault could significantly enhance the group’s ability to conduct swift attacks across remote terrain, further complicating efforts by security forces to contain them.
Despite the severity of the incident, the military has not yet commented, leading to public concern about the ongoing security challenges in the region. The lack of official communication has also fueled frustration among local communities already affected by years of conflict.
Marte, located near the Lake Chad Basin, has long been a flashpoint in the struggle against armed groups in northeastern Nigeria. Although security forces have conducted several successful operations in the area, incidents like this highlight the ongoing threat and the resilience of these groups.
Residents fear further attacks, especially with the recent loss of equipment that could now be used against both military and civilian targets. Humanitarian workers operating in the area are also reassessing safety measures, given the increasing unpredictability of the security landscape.
As the country awaits a formal response, the attack in Marte serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing efforts to restore lasting peace and stability in Nigeria’s northeast.