By Abu Hassan
Maiduguri, Nigeria – Following a devastating Boko Haram attack on a military base in Marte, Borno State, that claimed the lives of five, reports are emerging of soldiers abandoning their posts and returning to their villages. Military sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, cited the intensity of the attack and the loss of equipment as reasons for the soldiers’ desertion.
“After the operation, they burnt everything. They destroyed all our facilities and carted away arms, even our Commanding Officer’s vehicle and new motorbikes,” one source revealed. “Some soldiers have dumped their arms, saying they’re no longer interested. They’re returning to their villages.”
The attack, which occurred on Monday, has ignited fears of increased vulnerability in the region, with residents of surrounding communities fleeing to safer areas such as Dikwa, Lukumani, and Mafa. One source alleged that the attack was facilitated by a betrayal from within. “A civilian Joint Task Force member, someone we trusted, sold us out. He led the insurgents to our camp. His name is Sharu.”
In response to the escalating insecurity, the Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, attributed the surge in attacks to the instability in the wider Sahel region. During a media briefing in Maiduguri, Abubakar explained that the porous borders have allowed an influx of arms from neighboring Sahel states, fueling the insurgency.
“What is happening in Nigeria is not unconnected to the situation in the greater Sahel region where barracks in neighboring countries are being ransacked and weapons carted away. These arms eventually make their way into Nigeria, thereby re-energizing the fight,” he stated.
Abubakar also highlighted the evolving tactics employed by the terrorists, including the use of weaponized drones, making counterinsurgency operations increasingly difficult. “Since November last year, we have observed the use of armed drones to carry out attacks – similar to what is happening in Israel and Ukraine. These drones are difficult to detect using conventional radar systems.”
Despite these challenges, the commander maintained that the Nigerian Armed Forces are determined to defeat terrorism, emphasizing recent successes in Mallam Fatori and Kukawa where nearly 20,000 internally displaced persons have returned to their homes. He also acknowledged recent attacks in Rann, Dikwa, and Gajiram, where four personnel were lost in Rann.
“Let me reassure Nigerians that we will completely defeat terrorism and restore peace to the region in the shortest possible time. We just need the continued support of the nation,” Abubakar said, urging insurgents to surrender. “To the terrorists, I urge them to follow the path of their colleagues who have surrendered and are being humanely treated. Otherwise, they will be eliminated.”
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, also condemned the attacks and urged residents to remain resilient. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Dauda Illiya, Zulum extended his sympathy to the families of victims and reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Federal Government, military, and security agencies to address the security challenges.
“The recent surge in attacks will not deter our resolve to tackle the scourge of the 16-year-long insurgency. I urge the people of Borno to remain resilient and prayerful. This is a partial eclipse — and we shall overcome it, Insha Allah,” the governor said.
The Boko Haram insurgency, aimed at establishing an Islamic state in West Africa, has plagued Nigeria for over a decade, causing widespread displacement and loss of life. The recent setback in Marte raises concerns about the ongoing effectiveness of counter-terrorism efforts and the need for continued vigilance and international collaboration to combat the threat.
With the push and unceasing attempts by the terrorist group to Islamize the Sahel region through vigorous acts of instability and the constant terroristic attacks, countries like Ghana, Togo, Benin, the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and others are leaving no stone unturn in preparing for and protecting their respective territories against the infiltration of Boko Haram and its sympathizers in their lands.
