FrontNaija News – Borno State, Nigeria
Reports emerging from credible sources indicate that suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have taken full control of Marte Local Government Area in northern Borno State, following a fierce and coordinated assault on Nigerian military positions over the weekend.
According to information gathered by FrontNaija News from multiple security and civilian sources, the insurgents launched a series of brazen attacks late Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday. Heavily armed and in large numbers, the ISWAP militants reportedly overwhelmed Nigerian Army troops stationed in the area, forcing them to retreat after hours of intense gunfire.
The assault, believed to have been meticulously planned, saw ISWAP fighters advancing with technical vehicles mounted with anti-aircraft guns. Eyewitnesses and local sources said the insurgents stormed Marte town with heavy firepower, destroying military equipment and hoisting their black flags in key locations to signal their presence.
Though official confirmation from military authorities was still being awaited at the time of filing this report, a top security source disclosed to FrontNaija News that the troops had to make a “tactical withdrawal” to avoid further casualties. The source described the attack as “devastating” and acknowledged that the insurgents may have temporarily taken control of the town.
Residents of neighboring communities have begun fleeing their homes out of fear of further attacks, while humanitarian agencies have raised concerns over the worsening security situation and the displacement of civilians.
Marte, a strategic town located close to the Lake Chad Basin, has long been a target of insurgent activities due to its geographic importance and proximity to smuggling routes. The town has changed hands multiple times in the past between Nigerian forces and insurgent groups, underlining the fragile nature of security in the area.
As of now, it remains unclear how many soldiers or civilians were killed, wounded, or displaced in the latest attack. However, security analysts are warning that the fall of Marte could embolden ISWAP and signal a worrying escalation in their operations within the region.
FrontNaija News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more verified information becomes available.
