MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, 19 May – A surge in militant violence has forced at least 20,000 residents to flee Marte, a town in Nigeria’s northeastern Borno state, according to the state governor. The displacement follows a series of attacks attributed to Islamist insurgents in the region.
Marte, located near the border with Cameroon, had previously been under the control of insurgent groups but was reclaimed by Nigerian forces. Residents began returning to the town about four years ago.
However, escalating assaults this year, reportedly carried out by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, have raised renewed security concerns and indicate a possible resurgence of militant activity in Borno state, despite sustained military operations in the area.
