By Charles Pemu 
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on a Nigerian Army base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday, resulting in multiple casualties and the reported capture of several soldiers.
The assault occurred around 3 a.m. at the Forward Operating Base of the 153 Task Force Battalion. According to security sources, the attackers overpowered the troops, killing an undisclosed number and forcing others to flee toward nearby Dikwa.
“ISWAP has taken over Marte,” a military source said under condition of anonymity. “Some soldiers were killed, others captured, and several escaped to the 24 Task Force Brigade in Dikwa.”
The insurgents reportedly destroyed armored vehicles and carted away arms and ammunition during the raid.
Residents of Dikwa, located about 38 kilometers from Marte, confirmed hearing intense gunfire during the incident. A Nigerian Air Force jet was seen hovering over the area but was reportedly unable to repel the attackers.
The attack marks the latest in a wave of coordinated assaults across the region. In recent weeks, military outposts in Sabon Gari, Izge, Wulgo, and Buni Yadi in Borno and Yobe states have suffered similar breaches, with troops retreating in the face of sustained insurgent offensives.
Military authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but efforts are reportedly underway to assess the extent of the damage and regain control of the area.