Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has called on the Federal Government to take swift and decisive action to prevent Marte Local Government Area from falling back into the hands of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents, following a series of recent attacks.
Governor Zulum made the appeal during an on-the-ground assessment of Marte, where insurgents recently targeted a military formation. The attack prompted the abandonment of the local government headquarters and forced thousands of residents to flee to the nearby town of Dikwa.
Addressing journalists during the visit, the Governor emphasized the importance of maintaining community cooperation, strengthening resilience, and sustaining support for security forces working to restore normalcy. He recalled that the area, resettled just four years ago, had once again been overrun and displaced within days.
“About 20,000 people have been displaced from Marte to Dikwa. This massive movement presents a serious humanitarian challenge and increases the risk of vulnerable youth being recruited by insurgent groups,” Zulum stated.
He noted that with the help of the Nigerian Army and local vigilantes, efforts to reestablish the community are already underway. However, he stressed that a lasting solution requires a permanent security presence in the area.
Governor Zulum highlighted the strategic significance of Marte, once home to over 300 towns and villages but now reduced to just the local government headquarters. “If Marte falls, we lose the entire local government—a major setback in our fight against insurgency,” he warned.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to peace and security, Zulum pledged continued support for military operations aimed at restoring stability across Borno State.