In a shocking turn of events, suspected ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) fighters launched a brazen attack on a Nigerian military base in Borno State, leaving a trail of destruction and raising serious questions about the security situation in the region. This isn’t just another attack; it’s a wake-up call.
Here’s what you need to know:
- ISWAP fighters stormed a military base in Marte Local Government Area, Borno State.
- Several soldiers were killed in the attack.
- The attackers seized weapons, gun trucks, and motorcycles.
- The military base was set ablaze.
- This is the ninth attack on Nigerian military installations in the last two months.
Bloodbath in Borno: ISWAP’s Daring Attack
On May 12, 2025, suspected ISWAP terrorists executed a coordinated assault on a Nigerian military base located in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. Initial reports painted a grim picture, with the death toll fluctuating between four and seven soldiers. According to YERWA EXPRESS NEWS, citing Civilian Joint Task Force members, the base was completely overrun.
Military sources confirmed to AFP that at least four soldiers were killed in the early morning raid. Even more concerning, several others are missing and feared captured. Imagine the chaos, the fear, and the sheer audacity of the attackers!
Looting and Fire: The Aftermath of the Attack
After overpowering the base, the terrorists made off with a significant haul of military equipment. This included weapons, three gun trucks, and a staggering 70 motorcycles – resources intended for counter-insurgency operations. To add insult to injury, the base was then set ablaze, forcing surviving troops to retreat to a safer location in Dikwa, roughly 38 kilometres away.
A chilling video circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the carnage. The bodies of soldiers, partially covered, served as a stark reminder of the brutal reality on the ground.
Is This Nigeria’s 9/11?
What’s even more alarming is that the Marte base attack is just the latest in a series of assaults targeting Nigerian military installations. In the past two months, there have been at least nine similar incidents. Remember the May 2 attack in Buni Gari, Yobe State, where ISWAP fighters killed 11 troops and burned down the facility? Are these isolated incidents, or is there a larger pattern at play?
What’s Driving These Attacks?
Military analysts believe that ISWAP’s repeated targeting of army bases highlights critical operational vulnerabilities within the Nigerian military. The goal isn’t just to inflict casualties; it’s to seize valuable military hardware.
According to a study by Conflict Armament Research, a significant percentage of jihadist weapons in the Sahel region are directly captured from state military forces during these raids. This raises serious questions about security protocols and the ability of the Nigerian military to protect its assets. In fact, some reports state that roughly 20 per cent of jihadist weapons in the Sahel come directly from state military forces. Source: Small Arms Survey
Super Camps: A Failed Strategy?
Since 2019, the Nigerian military has attempted to consolidate smaller outposts into larger, fortified “super camps” to better resist insurgent attacks. However, the recent surge in assaults suggests that this strategy may not be as effective as initially hoped. Is it time for a new approach?
ISWAP’s Growing Threat
ISWAP, a splinter faction of Boko Haram, has been intensifying its attacks on both military and civilian targets across northeastern Nigeria. There are growing concerns that the group is strengthening its ties with other jihadist groups across the Sahel region, potentially creating an even greater threat to regional stability.
The Nigerian military is already stretched thin, facing multiple security challenges across the country. From the jihadist insurgency in the northeast to kidnapping and armed banditry in the northwest, intercommunal violence in the Middle Belt, and secessionist agitations in the southeast, the military is fighting on multiple fronts. Nigeria’s security forces are also fighting oil bunkering and piracy in the niger delta, as has been recently reported by Premium Times.
Tinubu’s Resolve: Is It Enough?
During a recent visit to Katsina State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of the armed forces. He acknowledged that the threats posed by terrorism and insurgency “have persisted for too long.” But is resolve enough? What concrete steps are being taken to address the operational vulnerabilities that ISWAP is so effectively exploiting?
As of now, the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement on the Marte attack, leaving many questions unanswered.
About The Author
