By Aminu Adamu
13th May, 2025
Boko Haram insurgents launched a devastating attack on the 153 Task Force Battalion base in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State in the early hours of May 11, 2025. The assault, reportedly carried out in coordination with fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), resulted in the complete takeover and destruction of the military installation.
Residents described the night as one of terror, with gunfire and explosions echoing across the plains. The attackers, heavily armed and tactically organized, overwhelmed Nigerian troops stationed at the base, razed key infrastructure, and destroyed military assets including armored vehicles and communications equipment.
By morning, communication with the base had ceased. While the military has yet to release an official casualty figure, multiple sources suggest significant losses may have been incurred. The uncertainty has sparked widespread anxiety among families of deployed soldiers and fueled public outrage across the country.
“This government has failed us,” said a resident of Maiduguri, who spoke through tears. “How many more times will our soldiers die without the protection they deserve?”
The 153 Task Force Battalion was considered a critical post in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts, strategically located to check militant movement in the Northeast. Its fall has raised serious concerns about military preparedness and the evolving capabilities of insurgent groups.
Eyewitnesses from surrounding villages reported seeing columns of smoke and hearing sustained explosions throughout the night. “We could see the sky lit up from miles away,” said Umar Garba, a farmer. “We knew something terrible had happened.”
The attack has reignited criticism of the federal government’s handling of national security and the military’s operational readiness. On social media, hashtags such as #SecureNigeria and #EndInsurgency have trended nationally, reflecting a surge of public frustration and grief.
“If our soldiers are not safe in their own bases, then who is?” posted one user on X, formerly Twitter.
Over a decade into the insurgency, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues to face setbacks despite claims of progress. Experts note that insurgent groups have demonstrated increasing tactical sophistication, raising questions about the effectiveness of existing military strategies.
The attack on Marte serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain in restoring peace to Nigeria’s Northeast. As the nation awaits official updates, the incident has once again highlighted the need for urgent reforms in security operations, better troop welfare, and improved intelligence coordination.
