MAIDUGURI: Some Nigerian Soldiers reportedly abandoned their posts and returned to their villages following a deadly Boko Haram assault on a military base in Marte, Borno State. The attack, which occurred early Monday, claimed the lives of five personnel and left the base ransacked.
According to reports, Boko Haram insurgents stormed the forward operating base, overwhelmed the troops, looted weapons, and escaped with military vehicles.
Several military sources confirmed the incident on Tuesday, speaking anonymously due to a lack of authorization. They burnt everything. They destroyed all our facilities, took our arms, and even made away with the Commanding Officer’s vehicle, one soldier said.
All the new motorbikes issued to us—they took them too.
Some troops have since deserted, saying they no longer feel safe or motivated to fight. A soldier we call Dangwari is among those who left. He just dropped his weapon and returned home, the source added.
In a shocking revelation, another source alleged that a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), identified as Sharu, betrayed the soldiers by guiding the insurgents to the camp. Sharu was trusted and close to our adjutant. He led the attackers straight to us, the source claimed.
The attack sparked panic among civilians, with residents fleeing nearby communities like Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa for fear of further violence.
Maj Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, addressed the incident at a press briefing in Maiduguri. He linked the uptick in insurgent activities to worsening security across the Sahel region.
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The conflict in neighbouring countries has flooded Nigeria with arms through porous borders. What we’re facing here is not isolated; it’s part of a regional crisis, Abubakar explained.
Despite setbacks, he expressed confidence in the military’s eventual victory, while acknowledging the challenges. In war, you win some, you lose some. But what matters is the balance in our favour, he stated.
Abubakar also highlighted the evolving tactics of the insurgents, including the use of armed drones, similar to methods seen in conflicts in Ukraine and Israel. These drones are not easily detected by conventional radar systems, and that complicates our operations,” he said.
Still, he insisted the military had made progress. Over the past week, more than 20 terrorists were neutralised and significant weapons recovered.
He cited resettlement success in towns like Mallam Fatori and Kukawa, where nearly 20,000 internally displaced persons have returned home.
Abubakar, who assumed command two weeks ago, said the military is undergoing a strategic overhaul, including leadership changes and increased resource deployment. We are reorganising our operations and refocusing on tactical readiness,” he said.
However, insurgents continue to test military strength. On Monday alone, coordinated attacks were launched in Rann, Dikwa, and Gajiram. While most were repelled, four soldiers were killed in Rann.
Abubakar reiterated the military’s resolve We will defeat terrorism and restore peace. But we need national support. To the terrorists, I say: surrender or be eliminated.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, condemned the attacks in a statement released Tuesday through his spokesperson, Dauda Illiya. He extended condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed his government’s partnership with the military and federal agencies. The recent surge in attacks will not break our resolve. This is a partial eclipse, shall overcome it, Insha Allah, Zulum said.
He called the loss of soldiers, civilians, and education workers deeply painful, and urged residents to remain prayerful and strong. He also emphasized his ongoing support for the military, referencing a recent visit to Gwoza to boost morale. We are committed to defeating terrorism, no matter how long it takes, he said.
Boko Haram attacks have recently been reported in other parts of Borno, including Chibok, Kala Balge, and Gwoza, intensifying fears of a renewed insurgency wave in the region
