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The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has successfully captured Marte Local Government Area in Borno State following a major offensive that forced the Nigerian Army to withdraw in the early hours of Sunday, May 12, 2025.
Reports from a military insider confirm that Nigerian troops were compelled to abandon their positions around 3am after a string of relentless and synchronised attacks by the insurgent group.
According to SaharaReporters, the source noted that the fall of Marte came after several attempts by the militants, who finally overpowered the stationed troops.
“Numerous soldiers were taken prisoner, while others escaped toward Dikwa, where they’ve assembled at the 24 Task Force Brigade. The entire area is now under ISWAP’s control,” the source stated.
Dikwa residents reported hearing heavy gunfire, and Nigerian Air Force aircraft were seen patrolling the skies.
Marte’s capture deals another significant blow to the army’s efforts in the northeast, particularly because of the town’s importance in the Lake Chad region.
The area has long been a contested territory in Nigeria’s war against terrorism.
Saturday night also saw the 153 Task Force Battalion’s base in Marte attacked. The militants set military vehicles ablaze and took away weapons.
Earlier in April, a similar assault in Malam-Fatori led to the deaths of 22 soldiers, including a commander.
For over ten years, insurgent violence, especially by Boko Haram and ISWAP, has plagued the northeastern part of Nigeria, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
As of the time this report was compiled, attempts to reach the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Kenneth Daso, for confirmation of the recent attack were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls.