2000 Boko Haram members storm Marte in Borno, capture town

Marte town in Borno state has reportedly been captured by Boko Haram members after about 2,000 of them stormed the town on Thursday April 23rd and engaged Nigerian troops in a gun battle, forcing the troops to flee the town.

A resident of the village, Imamu Habib, narrating what happened said; 

“The terrorists, numbering over 2,000, appeared from various directions on Thursday and engaged the soldiers in Kirenowa town and adjoining communities in Marte. They fought with soldiers over the night and the fight continued today (Friday), forcing hundreds of soldiers to flee” he said.

Many people were killed during the shootout while many homes were destroyed. Marte town, which is believed to be rich in oil due to its proximity to Lake Chad, has been attacked twice by the sect members. They first captured the town in 2012 but were chased out by Nigerian troops shortly after the declaration of state of emergency in Borno state in 2013. They also attempted to take over the town the second time in 2014 but were forced out by Nigerian troops.