20,000 Flee Marte as Boko Haram Attacks Surge in Borno

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum reported that at least 20,000 residents have fled Marte town following renewed attacks by Islamist militants, just four years after locals returned to the area, once under insurgent control.

The region has seen escalating violence this year, with suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters launching frequent assaults—raising fears of a militant resurgence despite years of military operations.

Governor Zulum visited Marte near the Cameroon borderwhere he spent the night coordinating security efforts, to assess security and meet with military officials. His trip came after militants overran an army base last week, killing at least five soldiers and leaving others missing.

“Marte was resettled four years ago, but in the last three days, it was ransacked, forcing another displacement,” Zulum said Sunday. “About 20,000 people have fled to Dikwa.”

He also traveled to Rann, where another military base was attacked, and will visit Kalawa Balge district, where 23 farmers were recently killed by suspected militants.

“Hitherto, Marte Local Government comprises over 300 towns and villages, now we have only one standing, if we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole Local Government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen.

“Therefore, I am calling on the federal government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain” Zulum said.

Since the insurgency began 16 years ago, over two million Nigerians have been displaced, with thousands killed, according to aid groups.

Borno’s government had resettled Marte residents as part of a plan to close displacement camps in Maiduguri, promoting it as a model for other liberated towns. But with renewed violence, many fear being uprooted again.

Security analysts note that militants are evolving tactics, including drone surveillance. Zulum warned that keeping displaced people in camps, like Dikwa, risks leaving young men vulnerable to insurgent recruitment.

—Reporting by Reuters, adapted for Slyke Bulletin