…four soldiers killed as Police seek collaboration against insurgency
About 5,000 residents reportedly fled their homes and communities on Monday after the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists invaded another several places and communities within the Military Brigade on the fringe of Lake Chad Basin in Borno State.
It was gathered that the terrorists came in large numbers and dislodged the troops from the Nigerian Army after a series of fierce gun battles in New Marte, located in Marte local government area, on the fringe of the Lake Chad Basin region.
According to an eyewitness account, the terrorists are now in control of the town and community, as about five thousand fled to Dikwa town, some 27 kilometres away.
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He told BusinessDay that the invaders overpowered and overran the Military Brigade, as women and children are currently being sheltered in the town.
“They came around 1 am on Monday morning, shooting in all directions and shouting Allah Akbar, and the operation lasted until 3:30 am. We slept in the bush, and many residents are trapped as we speak. They have taken over the military base and carted away their arm and ammunition”, an informed source said.
Another security source said at least four soldiers were killed and unspecified numbers wounded in the Marte local government area of Borno State.
The source added that they had overpowered the troops, “We just arrived Maiduguri around 1:30 pm, we have reacaptured the Military Brigade domiciled in Lake Chad Authority Development Headquarters in New Marte today.
“More than five thousand residents’ fate is unknown because thousands slept in the bush, and large numbers arrived in Dikwa early this morning, while thousands of women and children are trapped in New Marte,” a security source said.
Meanwhile, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 15 Headquarters located in Maiduguri, has emphasised the need for collective efforts in tackling security challenges bedevilling Borno State.
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He made this call during a stakeholders’ forum on security matters held on Monday in Maiduguri, which brought together critical community-based security stakeholders.
The forum aimed to foster stronger relationships between the Police and stakeholders in Borno State, with a view to realising the Inspector General of Police’s vision of reducing crime by 40% in 2025.
AIG Onwuemelie noted that the commitment shown by stakeholders was commendable and crucial to the peace, stability, and long-term development of Borno State.
He identified lingering security threats in the State, including isolated insurgent activities, banditry, kidnapping, and cult-related violence, and emphasised the need for a whole-of-society approach to overcome these challenges.
The AIG highlighted the vital roles that various stakeholders, including the Civilian Joint Task Force, Road Transport Unions, GSM Sellers Associations, hoteliers, and property owners, women’s organisations, the academic staff union, and student union leaders, could play in enhancing security in the State.
According to him, the Police zone is committed to ensuring effective communication channels, regular security briefings, improved rapid response capabilities, and promoting community-based early warning systems.
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He urged stakeholders to share concrete security experiences and challenges, proposing practical solutions, and committing to ongoing collaboration beyond the forum.
The goal, he said, was not just to combat crime but also to build a society where safety, dignity, and opportunity thrive.
He expressed optimism that through structured cooperation, trust-building, and shared accountability, Borno can become a model in post-conflict security and community resilience.
