THE RESURGENCE OF TERROR IN BORNO: A CALL FOR DECISIVE ACTION FOLLOWING THE MAY 11, 2025, BOKO HARAM ATTACK ON THE NIGERIAN ARMY BASE IN MARTE LGA

 THE RESURGENCE OF TERROR IN BORNO: A CALL FOR DECISIVE ACTION FOLLOWING THE MAY 11, 2025, BOKO HARAM ATTACK ON THE NIGERIAN ARMY BASE IN MARTE LGA

Written by Hamza Nuhu Dantani, Esq.

 

INTRODUCTION 

Suppose any proof was needed that the war against Boko Haram is far from over. In that case, it is in the fresh terror attack lodged against the Nigerian Army military base in Marte, Borno state, the main theatre of the insurgency in the Northeastern region. 

On the night of May 11, 2025, tragedy struck again in my beloved Borno state. In a gruesome and condemnable terrorist attack, Boko Haram insurgents launched a coordinated offensive against a Nigerian Army military base in Marte. The terrorists dislodged the 50th Task Force Battalion stationed in the area, leaving several gallant soldiers dead, carting away weapons, and destroying vital military equipment. This brazen assault marks a troubling resurgence of Boko Haram and a significant setback in the fight against insurgency in the Northeast.

 

A GRIM RETURN OF BOKO HARAM

Boko Haram's recent activities signal a worrisome escalation in their operations. The attack on the military base in Marte is not an isolated incident but part of a growing pattern of assaults on both military installations and civilian populations in Borno and surrounding states. A recent report by Beacon Security outlines that in the first quarter of this year alone, Boko Haram carried out over 397 attacks in Borno state, leading to 514 deaths and 357 abductions.

These statistics are not just numbers; they symbolize families' and communities' real and ongoing suffering. These renewed offensives suggest a reinvigoration of the terror group, emboldened by a security apparatus stretched thin and a federal response that has been alarmingly tepid. This resurgence is deeply troubling, especially considering the sacrifices that have been made over the past decade to push back Boko Haram and reclaim territory. The loss of these brave soldiers is not just a military setback but a national tragedy. They defended the country, laying down their lives in the harshest conditions to protect Nigeria's sovereignty and unity. The Nigerian government must decisively curb this threat as the situation takes different dimensions.

HONOURING OUR FALLEN HEROES

The Nigerian Army continues to exhibit courage and professionalism in the face of a ruthless and asymmetric enemy. Like countless others before them, the men of the 50th Task Force Battalion stood firm in defense of the country and paid the ultimate price.

Their bravery deserves our gratitude and a government commitment to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain. The valor of our troops must be met with equal commitment from the leadership in terms of strategy, logistics, and political will.

GOVERNOR ZULUM'S WARNINGS: A CRY IN THE WILDERNESS

The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum, has long sounded the alarm about the growing threat posed by Boko Haram. He has consistently urged the federal government and security agencies to take proactive and decisive measures before the situation spirals further out of control. His recent warnings underscore the uptick in attacks and a disturbing trend in the recruitment of new fighters by the insurgents.

"In recent times, Borno State has been witnessing sporadic attacks from Boko Haram insurgents; many military formations were dislodged, such as in Wulgo, Wajiroko, and Sabon Gari, among others. It seems we are losing ground. Therefore, we want to appeal to the federal government to ensure the country's Northeastern part receives the desired attention. It seems the focus of the Nigerian Army and the Ministry of Defence is not on the northeast," the governor said.

Governor Zulum's concern that the federal government has neglected the Northeast's security challenges rings tragically true in light of the recent attack on 11th May 2025. The disregard for his calls to action has culminated in this avoidable bloodshed in Marte. Had the federal government heeded the governor's warnings, the loss of lives, the destruction of military assets, and the trauma inflicted on communities might have been prevented.

'OPERATION SAFE CORRIDOR': A DANGEROUS POLICY ON 'REPENTANT' TERRORISTS

Adding insult to injury is the federal government's controversial policy of rehabilitating and reintegrating so-called "repentant" Boko Haram fighters, codenamed 'Operation Safe Corridor'. This approach, which has included releasing former terrorists back into society and, alarmingly, into security agencies, is not only ill-advised but dangerous. Any policy based on appeasing criminals at the expense of justice for their victims cannot, in my opinion, be justified. It sends a demoralizing signal to the troops fighting on the front lines and undermines public confidence in the sincerity of the government's counterterrorism efforts.

These entrepreneurs of violence, having inflicted unimaginable pain on individuals and communities, should be held accountable through the judicial process, not rewarded with reintegration packages. The policy undermines justice and emboldens insurgents who see no consequence for their atrocities. Even under international law, including treaties Nigeria has signed, like the Rome Statute, low-level ex-combatants who surrender and show remorse may be rehabilitated and reintegrated through the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program. However, those involved in war crimes or crimes against humanity, like Boko Haram terrorists, are not eligible for amnesty and must face justice. Accountability and victims' rights remain key.

Moreover, according to international laws, including Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions, which Nigeria has ratified, fighters in non-international armed conflicts may be granted reintegration if they surrender and do not have direct responsibility for war crimes. However, serious violations, such as attacks on civilians, must be prosecuted. Reintegration under DDR must align with justice, accountability, and victims' rights. It is evident from the results of this policy that in Nigeria, we do not have what is required for a proper deradicalization process, and we urgently need to halt the policy.

THE CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY OF THE GOVERNMENT

Section 14(2) (b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria clearly states: "The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government."

A government that consistently fails to secure its citizens, especially in a region as devastated as Borno and the entire Northeast, falls short of this constitutional mandate. The recurring loss of lives and territory to terrorists is a damning indictment of the federal government's inaction and misprioritization.

A DIRE WARNING AND THE WAY FORWARD

If the federal government continues on its current trajectory of ignoring the warnings from state leaders like Prof. Zulum, downplaying the threat of insurgency, and pursuing flawed rehabilitation programs, the consequences could be catastrophic. A complete breakdown of law and order in Borno State looms ominously, with an inevitable spillover into neighboring states. Such a scenario would unravel the fragile gains in national security and could plunge the country into deeper chaos.

RECOMMENDATION

To avoid this, the federal government must:

1. Reassess and revoke the current policy of reintegrating so-called repentant insurgents.

2. Heed the wise counsel of Governor Zulum and other local stakeholders with first-hand understanding of the crisis;

3. Bolster the capacity of the armed forces through better funding, equipment, intelligence, and morale support;

4. Trace and cut the funding of these terrorists and prosecute those who fund terror.

5. Launch a robust military counter-offensive to reclaim lost territories and dismantle terrorist camps; and

6. Ensure justice and closure for affected families by holding all perpetrators accountable.

 

CONCLUSION

The attack on the Nigerian Army base in Marte is a grim reminder that the fight against Boko Haram is far from over. It is a call to renewed commitment, not just by the military, but by the political leadership at all levels, especially the federal government.

We must rise above complacency and act decisively to protect the lives and dignity of our citizens. The blood of our fallen heroes must not be shed in vain. The security and stability of Borno—and by extension, Nigeria—hang in the balance.

Hamza Nuhu Dantani Esq

Constitutional Lawyer and Human Rights Activist from Borno State.

THE RESURGENCE OF TERROR IN BORNO: A CALL FOR DECISIVE ACTION FOLLOWING THE MAY 11, 2025, BOKO HARAM ATTACK ON THE NIGERIAN ARMY BASE IN MARTE LGA