MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating security situation in Marte Local Government Area, warning that only one town out of more than 300 remains under government control, with Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents poised to seize the entire territory.
The governor made the revelation on Sunday, May 18, 2025, following a weekend visit to Marte, a frontline area in northeastern Nigeria’s protracted insurgency.
He urged the Federal Government and Nigerian Army to take immediate, decisive action to prevent the complete fall of the area to militants.
“Marte was resettled about four years ago, but unfortunately, over the last three days, it was ransacked and was displaced again,” Zulum told journalists.
“About 20,000 people left Marte for Dikwa; this huge number is a threat as allowing them to stay in the camp may make most of the younger ones become vulnerable to recruitment by the insurgents.”
Zulum warned that of the over 300 towns and villages that once made up Marte LGA, only one remains standing.
“If we cannot maintain this one, then we will lose the whole Local Government to the insurgents, which will be very obnoxious, and I think we will not allow this to happen,” he said.
“Therefore, I am calling on the federal government and the Nigerian Army so that we can put heads together and hold our ground for this single town in this LGA to remain.”
The governor’s comments reflect the gravity of the ongoing threat in the Lake Chad region, where insurgent groups continue to launch coordinated attacks despite years of military efforts to contain them.
Zulum’s visit to Marte was aimed at assessing security conditions, fostering cooperation among residents, and encouraging resilience in the face of continued attacks.
He commended the efforts of security personnel and local volunteers who facilitated his visit and protected returnees.
“Alhamdulillah, we returned to Marte yesterday and spent the night with the support of the Nigerian Army and our volunteers,” he said.
“The community is now resettled for the second time. Still, my prayers to the federal government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Army are that we do everything possible to keep this town on the ground.”
Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s resolve to support the military and other security agencies in restoring lasting peace in Borno State, which has been at the epicentre of Nigeria’s 15-year-long insurgency.
“On my part as the governor of Borno State, I would do everything within my power to support our gallant military in their efforts towards lasting peace in our beloved state,” he affirmed.
